What does mild cerebellar tonsillar ectopia mean?

Ectopia indicates an inferior position of the cerebellar tonsils. Cerebellar Tonsillar Ectopia denotes all cases including congenital and acquired in which the cerebellar tonsils are below the base of the skull. Cerebellar Tonsillar Ectopia includes asymptomatic and symptomatic cases of all degrees of severity.

What is mildly low-lying cerebellar tonsils?

Low-lying tonsils, sometimes also called benign tonsillar ectopia, is a subtype of cerebellar tonsillar ectopia denoting asymptomatic and only slight downward descent of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum and is distinct from Chiari I malformations.

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.

Is cerebellar ectopia common?

Tonsillar ectopia, encompassing slight descent of the cerebellar tonsils and Chiari I malformations, are disorders observed routinely in older children and adults and are believed to be an acquired form of the Chiari malformations.

What is a mild cerebellar tonsillar ectopia?

The cerebellar tonsils are located at the posterior part of the brain. Cerebellar tonsillar ectopia may be considered a mild form of a Chiari malformation, depending on the severity of visible symptoms.

What are the symptoms of cerebellar ectopia ( Chiari )?

Cerebellar ectopia has several symptoms, including blurred vision and problems with equilibrium. Cerebellar ectopia support groups, as well as organizations dedicated to Chiari information, often have information for patients and families. This information can help people make informed decisions about their medical care.

Which is the best treatment for Chiari ectopia?

Various degrees of Chiari malformation or tonsillar ectopia can be identified on the MRI scan. The only effective treatment for Chiari malformation is surgery.

What kind of surgery is needed for tonsillar ectopia?

The most common surgery to treat Cerebellar Tonsillar Ectopia is posterior fossa decompression surgery. This procedure relieves pressure and compression on the brainstem by removing small pieces of bone in the posterior skull, and in turn enlarges the foramen magnum.