What is it, actually?
Chiari Malformation
Chiari malformation (formerly known as Arnold-Chiari malformation) encompasses a range of congenital deformities in the area of the posterior cranial fossa, where parts of the cerebellum are pushed through a natural opening at the base of the skull into the upper part of the spinal canal. This can block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and lead to problems such as headaches, neck pain, balance issues, and other neurological symptoms. There are different types of Chiari malformation, with Type I being the most common, as in my case. Here is a schematic representation: a side view of the head. Left: Chiari Malformation. Right: Normal.
March 16, 2017. I was lying in the MRI machine, and it was buzzing loudly around me. Above me was a small mirror. When I looked into it, I saw the room in front of me reflected. There was a small anteroom. After a few minutes, I noticed more and more staff entering the room and looking at the screen. My current MRI image. What could this mean? Do I have a tumor?
I was taken out of the MRI machine and had to wait a bit in the waiting room. Then I was called in and took a seat across from the radiologist. He explained to me, "You have a Chiari malformation." Did I understand this diagnosis? Had my brain slipped down? What does this mean? Can they finally help me now? Should I be happy or worried?
I would be happy to write more about what this means and how I feel about it on my blog.