Neurology (general)/Chiari and ADHD

Advertisement

Expert: Connie Fowler - 5/21/2006


Question
Do you know if there is a link between ADHD and Chiari? My son has been diagnosed with a Chiari Malformation, but his doctor says it is not any issues that would require surgery.    He does have migraines (so does his father), sensitive to food additives, and recently we have scheduled testing for ADHD. He is 15 years old. Diagnosed with Chiari 3 years ago after MRI

Answer
Hi Lisa.
Oh yes ADHD has everything to do with Chiari Malformation.
I have 3 boys all whom have ADHD OR ADD,2 of my boys have chiari malformation one has had surgery.
I too have Chiari Malformation and had surgery along with ADD.
Migraine head are the #1 symptom of Chiari and should be looked at to this condition if your sons Dr is not taken your childs complaint seriously you must find another DR.
If you like you may go to this link and read my son story and the life long damage he has suffer being Dr did not think his Chiari was bad enough.
http://icanlearn.homestead.com/monkeynoseenodo.html
Please feel free to email me with any further questions you may have.
Connie Fowler

Neurology (general)

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Connie Fowler

Expertise

I can help with questions on Chiari malformation and related disorders like ADHD, Hidden learning disorder, Autisms, Tethered cord syndrome, Pseudo-Tumor, Spina bifida, Syringomyelia, Hydrocephalus, I went four years with not getting proper help for my son with Education and Medical issues. The Chiari type I malformation is a rare, neuromuscular deformity at which most Neurosurgeons believe it is present at birth. The brain exists in a cavity surrounded by bone. The brainstem normally sits in a funnel-like cavity just above the spinal cord. The problem occurs when the posterior fossa is not developed properly. Instead of the brainstem sitting in its proper space, the brainstem is pushed downward through the skull, causing pressure on the cerebellum and spinal cord Another concerns is the normal flow of CSF through this area because the cerebellum are pushed into the opening of the base of the skull meeting the spine can cause obstruction to its natural flow. (This downward displacement of the cerebellar tonsils is called the Chiari malformation.)

Experience

December 2000 my son went in for brain decompression his Filum released (Tethered cord syndrome) as these are not a done deal surgery and we have years of doctor appointment and possible more surgery's, my heart and soul is in the understanding and research of this condition that the Doctor said my son was born with, as I am finding out this can be a genetic disorder as my self I have been diagnosed with Chiari and my oldest son has Scoliosis which is a sign of Chiari malformation.Because this is a rare disorder not to many people know of it or understand the disability that can come with it if left untreated, this is my goal to bring more awareness and be a support to those who have been told they too may have Chiari Malformation.

Organizations
The Organization that I belong to is Our Chiari kids, Keeping kids healthy, Child care network,

Education/Credentials
Basic child care resource, Child developement, Child Behavior,
Reaching to new heights in the research of chiari Malformation. http://icanlearn.homestead.com/monkeynoseenodo.html

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.