Chiari Malfotmation type I-wikipedia defines as:
Arnold–Chiari malformation, or often simply known as Chiari malformation, is a malformation of the brain. It consists of a downward displacement of thecerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum (the opening at the base of the skull), sometimes causing non-communicating [1]hydrocephalus as a result of obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) outflow.[2] The cerebrospinal fluid outflow is caused by phase difference in outflow and influx of blood in the vasculature of the brain. It can cause headaches, fatigue, muscle weakness in the head and face, difficulty swallowing dizziness, nausea, impaired coordination, and, in severe cases, paralysis.
Syringomyelia (aka Syringo, Syrinx)-wikipedia defines as:
Syringomyelia(pron.: /sɪˌrɪŋɡɵmaɪˈiːliə/) is a generic term referring to a disorder in which a cyst or cavity forms within the spinal cord. This cyst, called a syrinx, can expand and elongate over time, destroying the spinal cord. The damage may result in pain, paralysis, weakness,[1] and stiffness in the back, shoulders, and extremities. Syringomyelia may also cause a loss of the ability to feel extremes of hot or cold, especially in the hands. The disorder generally leads to a cape-like loss of pain and temperature sensation along the back and arms. Each patient experiences a different combination of symptoms. These symptoms typically vary depending on the extent and, often more critically, to the location of the syrinx within the spinal cord.Syringomyelia has a prevalence estimated at 8.4 cases per 100,000 people,[2] with symptoms usually beginning in young adulthood. Signs of the disorder tend to develop slowly, although sudden onset may occur with coughing, straining, or myelopathy.
Ok...now in English! ;)
I was born with Chiari Malformation. My skull is too small, which is putting pressure on my brain and causing it to fall through the back of my skull and into my spine. The area that is dropping is the cerebral tonsils. These tonsils are dropping 10mm lower than the normal person's. Because these tonsils are dropping, they are creating a "plug" at the base of my skull and not allowing spinal fluid to flow normally through my brain and spine.
This is where the Syrinx comes in. I was not born with the syrinx. It was created by my body because of the blocked flow of spinal fluid. Spinal fluid is meant to flow around the brain, and around the spinal cord, with a constant circulating flow. My Chiari has blocked this flow. I now have pockets inside of my spinal cord that are filled with the spinal fluid creating cysts. The fluid is NOT supposed to be inside the snal cord. My syrinx is located from cervical vertebrae #6 - thoracic vertebrae #5 (C6-T5).
Now, some people can have Chiari Malformation and never know it because they do not present with symptoms. Or they find out they have it on accident thru imaging for another problem. Also, the measure of herniation of the cerebral tonsils does not matter as far as symptoms go. A person can have only a few mm herniation with drastic symptoms or a much larger herniation with no symptoms. Every case is different which makes this condition very difficult to comprehend and treat.
Also, a person can have syringomyelia without having Chiari Malformation. These person's usually develop the syrinx because of an injury, ie-car accident, sports injury, or because of some different condition in the spine or back. 1 in 4 people with Chiari will present with a syrinx, so Chiari doesn't always mean you'll have a syrinx. Again...very unpredictable conditions and still quite rare.
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