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How is Chiari Malformation and schizophrenia related?

Kim
06/07/08

I have schizophrenia. I also just had surgery for Chiari Malformation. Can they be related or could the Chiari have irritated the schizophrenia in any way? Thank you.

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Answers (1)
DCROY9633
DCROY9633
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Age 50.  Diagnosed at age 37, after many years of...

Thursday, June 26, 2008

This is from National Institute of Health:

 

Chiari malformations (CMs) are structural defects in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance. When the indented bony space at the lower rear of the skull is smaller than normal, the cerebellum and brainstem can be pushed downward. The resulting pressure on the cerebellum can block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (the liquid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord) and can cause a range of symptoms including dizziness, muscle weakness, numbness, vision problems, headache, and problems with balance and coordination. There are three primary types of CM. The most common is Type I, which may not cause symptoms and is often found by accident during an examination for another condition. Type II (also called Arnold-Chiari malformation) is usually 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. Type III is the most serious form of CM, and causes severe neurological defects. Other conditions sometimes associated with CM include hydrocephalus, syringomyelia, and spinal curvature.

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It doesn't sound to me like it has anything to do with schizophrenia.

 

Carolyn

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Schizophrenia is a syndrome characterized by disturbances in emotions, thought, activity, and language, that leaves patients fearful and withdrawn.

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