Can Cerebellar Tonsillar Ectopia Get Worse?

If you have been diagnosed with Chiari malformation, one of the first questions you may have is, “Can Chiari malformation get worse?” The simple answer is, yes, it can, which is why many (though not all) patients will require treatment.

What is borderline tonsillar ectopia?

Borderline cerebellar tonsillar ectopia which may be defined as the downward extension of cerebellar tonsils of <5 mm below the foramen magnum is among these conditions.

Can Chiari malformation get better?

In most cases, syringomyelia improves on its own after surgery to correct a Chiari malformation because the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid is restored. An acquired Chiari malformation requires treatment of the underlying condition.