Chiari Malformation

Like myself, many folks have never even heard of Chiari Malformation until I was diagnosed with it. And now that they're aware of it, I'm constantly asked questions about it.  So I thought this page might be helpful to others.


There are basically four different types of Chiari Malformation and some people are born with it, and some develop it later.  In my case, doctors believe I was born with it because I have had all the symptoms my entire life (even though I was only recently diagnosed). 

Chiari Malformation is a disorder where the base of the brain (the cerebellum) is resting too low in the skull so that it protrudes into the top of the spinal cord.   This image shows normal brain placement (on left) and Chiari Malformation (on right).  

So in essence, part of my brain has pushed into the tip of my spinal cord.  This condition results in many problems, one of which is that this condition blocks the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid which protects the brain and spinal cord.  As a result, I regularly suffer from the following:

• Severe Migraine Headaches
• Dizziness & Nausea
• Poor Balance
• Difficulty Swallowing
• Poor Hand Coordination
• Numbness and Tingling in Hands and Feet
• Neck Pain
• Vision Problems (I've lost much of my peripheral vision because of Chiari Malformation)
• Strokes

These are only few of the things I have had to learn to live with as a result of my Chiari Malformation.  The strokes are one of the biggest problems for me.  I had my first stroke when I was 15 years old.  Since then, I've had a couple more (mostly in the past year).  I'm only 25 years old, so doctors fear more strokes may claim my life.  Previous strokes have resulted in temporary paralysis (which is very scary), memory loss, and balance issues.

While surgery isn't recommended for everybody, my neurosurgeon tells me that I need to brain surgery to save my life. The reason is that since my illness was diagnosed so late, the severity of my problem is worse than normal. And as I mentioned earlier, doctors fear strokes will increase and intensify and result in death.

So surgery is my only option for long time survival.  And as you'd expect, brain surgery is full of risks and quite expensive.  And since I born with Chiari Malformation, it is is a pre-existing condition ... which means insurance companies don't want to help me.  This is true for private and state-run insurance programs. And believe me, I've tried to get assistance from every possible avenue and the only people willing to help fund my surgery are ordinary folks like YOU. 

Many folks have graciously come forward to donate money towards my surgery.  And for that I am truly grateful and blessed!  Because without YOUR help, I don't stand a chance. 

If you've already donated .... THANK YOU!!!!!

If you'd like to donate, click here.  I can use all the help I get! 

And of course, please spread the word!  The more people that are willing to help, the better chance I'll have of raising funds for my surgery!