Arnold-Chiari syndrome

Arnold-Chiari syndrome occurs when there are rare structural abnormalities in the brain that are sometimes, but not always apparent at birth. Abnormalities occur in the area where the brain and spinal cord meet, causing part of the cerebellum to protrude through the bottom of the skull into the spinal canal. This interferes with the flow of cerebral spinal fluid to and from the brain, leading to accumulation of cerebral spinal fluid in the empty spaces of the spine and brain, referred to as hydrocephalus.

The condition is commonly accompanied by a myelomeningocele—a form of spina bifida that occurs when the spinal canal and backbone do not close before birth, causing the spinal cord to protrude through an opening in the back. This can cause partial or complete paralysis below the spinal opening.

Symptoms and characteristics

Common symptoms and characteristics include:

• neck pain
• difficulty with balance
• muscle weakness
• numbness
• dizziness
• vision problems
• difficulty swallowing
• ringing or buzzing in the ears
• hearing loss
• vomiting
• insomnia
• depression
• headache made worse by coughing or straining.

Hand coordination and fine motor skills may also be affected. Symptoms may change for some people, depending on the buildup of cerebral spinal fluid and resulting pressure on the tissues and nerves.

Statistics

Although previous estimates have indicated that Arnold-Chiari syndrome occurs in about one in every 1000 births, the increased use of diagnostic imaging has suggested that Arnold-Chiari syndrome  may be much more common.

Arnold-Chiari syndrome is more prevalent in women than in men (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke 2007).

Workplace adjustments and solutions

There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:

• energy and stamina
• fine hand use
• managing depression
• moving around the workplace
• learning and applying knowledge
• self care

References

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke 2007, NINDS Chiari Malformation Information Page, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, viewed 6 March, 2007, <http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/chiari/chiari.htm>.

National Organisation for Rare Disorders 2005, Arnold-Chiari Malformation, National Organisation for Rare Disorders, Danbury, viewed 6 March 2007, <http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdbdetail_abstract.html?disname=Arnold-Chiari%20Malformation>.

World Arnold Chiari Malformation Association 2007, Committed to the most accurate and current understanding of Chiari Malformations and treatments, World ACM Association, Pennsylvania , viewed 6 March 2007, <http://www.wacma.com/>.