Chiari and Increased Intracranial Hypertension

[sunflower garden]

Can you have the symptoms of Chiari Malformation if you are only 4mm herniated? Do patients with Chiari have abnormal CSF test results (oligoclonal bands and increased proteins)? Is there any such thing as having Chiari Malformation if you are less than 5mm herniated?

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW]

PAtients with Chiari malforation do not have abnormal CSF. If the Chiari was severe enough to cause obstruction of the CSF flow, there may be an elevation of CSF protein.

The definition of a Chiari varies over a few mm below the formaen magnum, and the extent of the Chiari below the foramen magnum does not correlate well with symptoms. Many symptoms are attributed to Chiaris when it is really just an incidental finding. The only sure way that a Chairi is causing trouble is if there is also a synrinx or hole in teh spinal cord in that area, meaning that there is a backup of pressure.

[just_duckie]

Yes you can have symptoms even if you are at 0mm herniation.  Research on this has come a long way.  The leading experts on this say the above.  As for the csf results... I don't know.
Good luck, Mel