What Is Chiari Malformation?
2. What Causes Chiari Malformation?
Since most Chiari malformations exist from the time of birth, they are considered congenital. They result when the skull, spinal column, brain or connective tissue do not form properly. They appear to be more common in some families compared to others, indicating a genetic contribution.
Less frequently, a Chiari malformation develops in an aging adult. This is almost always caused by removing excessive amounts of spinal fluid from the thoracic or lumbar areas, which creates a suction effect that draws the cerebral tonsils into the foramen magnum.
Advertisement
