SPINA BIFIDA-CHIARI II MALFORMATION

SUMMARY

1. Affects brain development in utero, almost always assoc. with myelomeningocele.

2. Downward displacement of the medulla and cerebellar tonsils with crowding of the foramen magnum leading to hydrocephalus and occasionally ventriculitis.

3. Typical cognitive issues: executive, memory, attentional deficits.

4. Only a minority develop brainstem compression symptoms (stridor, VC paresis, apnoea, facial weakness, LL weakness, worsening incontinence).

5. Many symptoms can due to shunt dysfunction.

Reference(s)

Cifu, D.X. (2020). Braddom’s physical medicine and rehabilitation. Elsevier. Get it on Amazon.
Cuccurullo, S. (2019). Physical medicine and rehabilitation board review. New York: Demosmedical. Get it on Amazon.
O’Young, B., Young, M.A. and Stiens, S.A. (2008). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Secrets. Mosby. Get it on Amazon.