What causes Chiari type 1 malformations?
Scientists do not know the cause of Chiari malformations. Still, there are several hypotheses. One theory suggests that the base of the skull is too small in some individuals and this forced the cerebellar region to be lower than it should be. Another theory suggests that the growth of the cerebellar region is thrown off and overgrowth occurs resulting in the cerebellar region of the brain being compressed lower than it should be. Research studies are ongoing to try to understand how Chiari malformations occur. Are Chiari type 1 malformations inherited? There are several families reported in medical literature in which more than one family member has a Chiari malformation. However, no research study has been done to prove or disprove whether Chiari malformations are inherited. CSIND researchers have started a study to determine whether Chiari malformations are inherited (passed from parent to child). IF more than one person in your family has Chiari malformation or a spinal cord proble
