History and Research of Chiari Malformation. 

Arnold Chiari malformation is a congenital abnormality affecting hindbrain called the cerebellum. Hans Chiari was the Austrian pathologist born in Vienna who’s studies lead him to discover Chiari Malformation in autopsies. It was named after him and Julius Arnold. However a Scottish physician first described this condition in 1883 named John Cleland and called it Basilar Impression Syndrome.

Arnold Chiari is generally defined by the herniation of the hindbrain into the cervical canal of the spine. There are 5 types of Arnold Chiari malformation. Type 0,1,2,3 and 4. Each relate to the amount of herniation, while 0,1 and 2 are common 3,4 are generally fatal at birth.

Until recently chiari has been thought to be a rare condition, with the advent of MRI's more people are being diagnosed. While some will have problems from birth others may never know they have chiari until it is found accidently due to being asymptomatic. 

Research has been quite limited, however thanks to many groups funding through donations more research has been able to be started. The genetic connection on chiari has not been established yet however research on families who have multiple children and generations with chiari has been pushing the focus on a genetic component of congenital chiari. Research is developing however you may walk into one several specialists and find different ideas on what exactly causes chiari.