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In Seizures
Can Chiari malformation cause epilepsy?
Chiari Malformation is a structural abnormality of the brain resulting in the lower portion of the brain herniating out of the skull (measured in millimeters). Any time a stru…ctural defect within the skull occurs there is a risk that brain activity can be altered. The type of seizure experienced depends on the area of the brain affected by the malformation. Since Chiari affects the cerebellum many symptoms that mimic seizure activity can occur such as: intense headache, sudden loss of muscle strength resulting in an immediate fall (drop attack), numbness, confusion, weakness, fainting, altered perceptions, ringing in the ears, difficulty swallowing, gagging, and tremors. Some symptoms occur together in "episodes" while others appear as chronic or persistent. If the herniation is significant it is possible for CSF flow to become partially blocked and further increase symptoms. (MORE)
