Chiari malformation is a neurological disorder that occurs when the brain and the spinal cord are not properly aligned. This can cause a variety of symptoms, such as headaches, neck pain, difficulty swallowing, and problems with balance and coordination.
The severity of the disorder is typically determined by the amount of cerebellar tonsillar herniation, which is measured in millimeters (mm). Generally, the larger the herniation, the more severe the disorder.
For Chiari malformation, a herniation of greater than 5 mm is typically considered to be bad. This is because it is more likely to be associated with symptoms. As the herniation increases, so do the severity of the symptoms.
At herniations that are greater than 10 mm, there is an increased risk of neurological complications, such as hydrocephalus and syringomyelia. These complications can lead to long-term disability and even death if left untreated.
It is important to note that some people with herniations that are less than 5 mm can still experience symptoms. As such, it is important to talk to your doctor about the best course of treatment, regardless of the size of the herniation.