Spina Bifida and Chiari Malformations

Author(s):  
Adetayo Adeleye ◽  
Aaron Hockley ◽  
Valerie Kirk
Author(s):  
Marco Maurtua ◽  
Mathew Lyons ◽  
Nicholas DaPrano

Chiari malformations are structural defects in the base of the skull and cerebellum. These conditions are characterized by the abnormal displacement of part of the cerebellum and brainstem through the foramen magnum into the upper spinal canal causing autonomic dysfunction, neurologic deficits, and hydrocephalus. Chiari malformations are classified into several types based on their severity and the parts of the brain affected by the herniation. In neonates, Chiari malformations are commonly associated with spina bifida and myelomeningocele. Anesthesia for surgical correction of Chiari malformations presents a unique set of challenges and demands that requires knowledge of both the neurophysiology of the condition and the surgical process.


Author(s):  
Simon Rinaldi

This chapter covers four congenital neurological disorders which may be encountered in adult medicine: cerebral palsy, Chiari malformations, spina bifida, and tethered cord syndromes. Cerebral palsy is a disturbance of motor function arising from damage to the developing fetal or infant brain. It usually refers to a disorder resulting from a non-progressive insult which occurred at less than 3 years of age. Chiari malformations are congenital abnormalities of the anatomy and structural relationships of the cerebellum, the brainstem, and the foramen magnum. Dysraphism is a failure of opposition of anatomical structures which are normally fused. Spinal dysraphism is synonymous with spina bifida, a failure of embryological fusion of the neural tube. In all types, the vertebral arch fails to completely form. The tethered cord syndromes involve a restriction of the normal cephalad migration of the conus during life. This can occur both with and without spina bifida.


2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel M. Wasserman ◽  
Grayson Holmbeck ◽  
Lily Gershenson ◽  
Cara Raiman ◽  
Caitlin Taylor
Keyword(s):  

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