Observations placeholder
Chiari malformations and hallucinations
Identifier
006143
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
Arnold–Chiari malformation, or often simply known as Chiari malformation, is a malformation of the brain. It consists of a downward displacement of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum (the opening at the base of the skull), sometimes causing non-communicating hydrocephalus as a result of obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) outflow. The cerebrospinal fluid outflow is caused by phase difference in outflow and influx of blood in the vasculature of the brain. It can cause headaches, fatigue, muscle weakness in the head and face, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, nausea, impaired coordination, and, in severe cases, paralysis - and hallucinations
A description of the experience
Neurosurgery. 1991 Dec;29(6):932-6. Oscillopsia and primary cerebellar ectopia: case report and review of the literature. Gingold SI, Winfield JA. Department of Neurological Surgery, State University of New York Health Science Center, Syracuse.
Oscillopsia, the visual sensation of stationary objects swaying back and forth or vibrating, has been described in association with downbeat nystagmus in patients with primary cerebellar ectopia (Chiari I malformation).
A patient with symptomatic oscillopsia without downbeat nystagmus, who was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging to have displaced cerebellar tonsils below the foramen magnum, is presented here.
Suboccipital craniectomy and upper cervical laminectomy completely relieved the visual disturbance of the patient. The pathogenesis and surgical management of oscillopsia are discussed with respect to the current literature. Early recognition and surgical management of oscillopsia are lead to complete recovery in patients with minimal symptomatology.
PMID: 1758613