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Stanford Health Care

Symptoms

How We Can Help You

A Chiari malformation is a structural abnormality in the back of the head where the brain and spinal cord connect. It results in brain tissue extending into the spinal canal.

Stanford is a global referral center for the diagnosis and treatment of chiari malformations.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU FOR CHIARI MALFORMATION

  • Globally-recognized expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of chiari malforfmation.
  • Team-based treatment planning that brings together specialists from neurosurgery, neuroradiology, and more.
  • Advanced options for surgical treatment.
  • Comprehensive support services like occupational or physical rehabilitation, and emotional support to help you with your specific symptoms and the challenges of this experience.
  • An active clinical research program dedicated to broadening options for the diagnosis and treatment of chiari malformation.
  • Assistance from our International Medical Services team to plan your travel and accommodations.
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN
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We are proud to have earned recognition from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation "Healthcare Equality Index."

Treatment Options for Chiari Malformation

If the malformation is not producing symptoms, your condition may need only careful monitoring for changes.

If the malformation produces symptoms, the only treatment is an operation called a chiari decompression. This surgery removes part of the bone in the back of the skull to give the brain more room. We often remove the back part of the first cervical bone. After removal of the bone, many surgeons will then open up the dura (a thick membrane that hold the brain and spinal cord in place) and sew in a large patch to give the brain even more room. Some surgeons will even shrink the tonsils down.

There is debate among surgeons which method is the best method.

Clinical Trials for Chiari Malformation

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Open Clinical Trials

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Clinical trials evaluate new approaches, devices, or medications in the treatment of chiari malformation. Ask your doctor or clinical trials coordinator about available trials that may be additional options for your care.

To learn more about the clinical trials we offer, contact Maria Coburn at 650-736-9551.

Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but may open in the future.
View Closed Clinical Trials Symptoms

What is Chiari Malformation?

Symptoms of Chiari Malformation

Sometimes chiari malformation presents with the tonsils resting too low and crowding the lower part of the brain. With this presentation, symptoms commonly include a headache that occurs with straining during a cough, when leaning over, or during a bowel movement. This may be accompanied by neck pain, numbness, weakness, incoordination, or even trouble breathing or swallowing.

Sometimes the malformation allows fluid to leak into the middle of the spinal cord. When this occurs, patients may experience weakness, numbness, lack of coordination, or a loss of bowel or bladder control.

Our Clinics

Skull Base Surgery Program
Skull base surgery is a highly-specialized field that addresses tumors and other abnormalities on the underside of the brain or base of the skull.
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Make An Appointment

To schedule an appointment, please call: 650-497-7777