Cognitive and Psychological Functioning in Chiari Malformation Type I Before and After Surgical Decompression - A Prospective Cohort Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Chiari Malformation Type I (CM-I) is defined as cerebellar tonsil displacement more than 5 mm below the foramen magnum. This displacement can alter cerebrospinal fluid flow at the cervicomedullary junction resulting in Valsalva-induced headaches and syringomyelia and compress the brainstem resulting in bulbar symptoms. However, little is known about cognitive and psychological changes in CM-I.

Objective

To prospectively assess cognitive and psychological performance in CM-I and determine whether changes occur after surgical decompression.

Methods

Blinded evaluators assessed symptomatic CM-I patients ages ≥18 with a battery of neuropsychological and psychological tests. Testing was conducted preoperatively and 6 to 18 mo postoperatively. Data were converted

SUBMITTER: Seaman SC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8600175 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature