Childhood Brain Disease treated successfully in adulthood at Apex Group of Hospitals

Mumbai/Chandigarh, August 31, 2024: 

32 years old male patient presented with all four limb tingling numbness and pain at the back of head from the last 3 months. He approached Dr. Samir Parekh Neurosurgeon from Apex Hospitals Kandivali which is part of Apex Group of Hospitals, Mumbai where he conducted all necessary medical tests immediately. In an MRI test we found patients suffering Arnold Chiari Malformation type 1, where a cerebellum small brain herniated into the spine and causes compression and formation of syrinx in spine.  A Chiari malformation is a problem in which a part of the brain (the cerebellum) at the back of the skull bulges through a normal opening in the skull where it joins the spinal canal. This puts pressure on parts of the brain and spinal cord, and can cause mild to severe symptoms.

Dr. Samir Parekh Neurosurgeon from Apex Hospitals, Kandivali says,” We performed foramen magnum decompression with C1C2 laminectomy and duraplasty. This Surgery was successful and the patient was discharged on day 3 of surgery. Gradually his tingling numbers will go away. Cerebellum bulges through the foramen magnum, the opening at the base of the skull. This can happen when the skull base bones are underdeveloped, leaving too little space in the posterior fossa to contain the cerebellum. The cerebellum’s cerebellar tonsils then herniate through the foramen magnum, putting pressure on the brainstem and spinal cord, and blocking the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Chiari  malformation type 1 is the most common type of Chiari malformation, and is usually present at birth. However, symptoms often don’t appear until late childhood or adulthood, and in rare cases, it may develop later in life. Symptoms can include Headaches, especially after coughing, sneezing, or straining, Neck pain, Unsteady walk and balance problems, Poor hand coordination, Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, Dizziness, Trouble in swallowing & Speech changes.”

Dr. Samir Parekh Neurosurgeon further added Chiari Malformation Type 1 can be treated with physiotherapy and posterior fossa decompression surgery. Physiotherapy can help with symptoms like vestibular problems, cervical pain, and headaches. Surgery involves removing part of the skull and spinal column, and sometimes widening the dura, to create more space for CSF to circulate. 

Apex Group of Hospitals is a chain of Hospitals managed and run by expert Medical Professionals with experience of 25 years. Currently Apex group of Hospitals manage more than 350+ beds and provide qualitative healthcare services to the people of Mumbai and surrounding areas. Apex Hospitals is located in Borivali, Kandivali & Mulund.