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Defining, diagnosing, clarifying, and classifying the Chiari I malformations

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Abstract

Purpose

Chiari malformations (CM) have been traditionally classified into four categories: I, II, III, and IV. In light of more recent understandings, variations of the CM have required a modification of this classification.

Methods

This article discusses the presentation, diagnostics, and treatment of the newer forms of hindbrain herniation associated with the CM type I.

Results

The CM 1 is a spectrum that includes some patients who do not fall into the exact category of this entity.

Conclusions

While CM have been categorically recognized as discrete and individual conditions, newer classifications such as CM 0 and CM 1.5 exhibit some degree of continuity with CM 1; however, they require distinct and separate classification as symptoms and treatments can vary among these clinical subtypes.

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Abbreviations

CM:

Chiari malformation

CSF:

Cerebrospinal fluid

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Seattle Science Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA

    Stephen Bordes, Skyler Jenkins & R. Shane Tubbs

  2. Department of Anatomical Sciences, St. George’s University, Saint George’s, Grenada

    Stephen Bordes & Skyler Jenkins

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  1. Stephen Bordes
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  2. Skyler Jenkins
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Correspondence to R. Shane Tubbs.

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Bordes, S., Jenkins, S. & Tubbs, R.S. Defining, diagnosing, clarifying, and classifying the Chiari I malformations. Childs Nerv Syst 35, 1785–1792 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-019-04172-6

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