Example of Chiari I Malformation

I've been asked exactly what is wrong with AC's brain.  I am a visual learner so the best thing I could do was to find an example.

This is not AC's MRI...just one I could find to explain what is going on.

The red circle shows the problem area.  AC has a 2 centimeter herniation, which is bigger than the example.  This was a 1.6 centimeter patient. It doesn't sound like much until you think that part of your brain is almost an inch out of place.  No wonder she hurts so bad!

Her cerebellum should be nice and resting in the skull but hers is being pushed through the tiny hole that your brain stem comes up through.

This is a diagram of what a normal brain is suppose to look like and the white outline of how the Chiari is formed.

I will be writing a thank you note to the radiologist at ARMC who caught this on her CT Scan.  That doctor saved us a bunch of the running around that most people face before being diagnosed.  

She's been talking about her surgery a little bit today.  I'm trying to answer her questions the best I can without scaring her.  Her biggest fear today was the staples.  Those are never fun no matter where they are.

I am off to research Wonder Woman.  AC told me today that she would be all better by Halloween and she needed a WW costume.  I think this year that is definitely the costume for her.  Her strength has been amazing.

Have a great weekend and GO DAWGS!