Medical Terminology

Common terms you will hear and see related to Chiari and Syringomyelia.

Arnold Chiari Malformation - Also known as Chiari Malformation, Chiari, ACM or CM. It is the structural abnormality of the Cerebellum where the cerebellar tonsils distend into the spinal canal. This causes pressures on the cerebellum and blockage of the CSF fluid.

Cerebellum - A part of the brain known as the "little brain" It is found at the back of the head close to the brainstem and under the occipital lobe or the brain.

Cerebrospinal Fluid - Also known as CSF. Is a clear bodily fluid that occupies the area around the brain and spine. It circulates around with every heart beat and offers protection to the brain.

Cervical Spine - The upper part of the spine, which is made up of the top 7 Vertebral bones. Seen as C1 to C7 on reports.

Coccyx - Lowest part of the spine, also known as the tailbone.

Lumbar Spine - Part of the spinal column after the thoracic spine. Runs from L1-L5

Sacrum - Part of the spinal column seen after the Lumbar region.

Syringomyelia - Also know as SM. A conditions where the CSF fluid is blocked and causes cysts called syrinxs to form in the spinal cord. The pressure of these syrinxs can cause damage to the nerves of the spinal cord.

Thoracic Spine - Part of the spinal column, found after the cervical spine. Runs from T1-T12

Vertebral Column -