chiari and size of skull

[erica943]

Can anyone tell me, Can you have chiari and still have a large skull. I know that chiari usually
happens because the skull is too small, but can it happen because of a result of an accident. Like
something hitting your head when you are young. Can this cause it. I have also read that although
this is very rare- there have been cases where the herniation repaired on it's own. Has anyone else
ever heard of this?
thanks
erica

[kizzkell]

Hey Erica, I know you posted two years ago but just wanted to let you know that I have a big old head and have had to have two Chiari surgeries. First bony decompression and three years later (1 month ago) duraplasty. From what I understand it's the shape of the foramen magnum, the hole that lets your brain connect to your spinal cord that is misshapen.

I hope you are feeling well,

kizzkell

[youngwife]

Erica,

My daughter's Chiari expert explained to us that it is actually a hypo-plastic posterior fossa that causes Chiari, and it is genetic.

A fall may bring on symptoms and further herniate the cerebellar tonsils, but it won't cause Chiari.  The "acquired" type is probably a case of misdiagnosed Chiari prior to the injury, which led to the MRI.

So, the answer to your question is YES!  It is the base of the skull (posterior fossa) that is the key.  If it is too small for the hind brain, then it will cause pressure and sometimes herniation.

You may would find the Chiari Institutes's videos very interesting because they really explain Chiari in depth.

I hope this is insightful,