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CHIARI AND SYRINGOMYELIA NETWORK is a 501(c)(3) non profit and charitable organization. The Organization was formed in 2008 to help those affected with Chiari Malformation(CM), Syringomyelia (SM) and related disorders. The founders and Board know firsthand how difficult the daily challenges of CM/SM can be.

Chiari (KEE-AR-EE) Malformation occurs when a portion of the skull is abnormally small or misshapen, pressing on the brain and forcing it downward, causing a condition in which brain tissue protrudes into the spinal canal. Chiari Malformation (CM) is considered a rare neurological disorder. CM is usually present at birth (congenital), although there have been some reported cases of an acquired form and it can develop in some children after they are born. Symptoms, which develop in a slow and insidious manner, may not occur until adulthood and will often fluctuate in severity. Some symptoms of Chiari may include: severe headaches, neck pain, blurry vision, sensitivity to light, ringing/buzzing in the ear, chest pain, palpatations, vertigo, unsteady gait, dizziness, balance issues, chronic fatigue, sleep apnea, insomnia, "brain fog", slurred speech, numbness and tingling of hands/feet, muscle weakness, problems swallowing, and impaired fine motor skills.

Syringomyelia (sir-RING-o-my-elia) occurs when a fluid filled cavity (syrinx) develops within the spinal cord, most often caused by an obstruction of the cerebrospinal fluid circulatory pathways. The most common cause of Syringomyelia is Chiari Malformation.
Other causes include trauma, hemorrhage, infection and spinal cord tethering. A syrinx causes pressure and may damage nerves, and can give rise to painful sensory disturbances and even paralysis of the extremities. Symptoms may include: weakness, chronic pain, spasms, numbness, decreased sensitivity to pain and temperature variations, and paralysis (paraplegia or even quadraplegia).

Currently, there are an estimated 200,000 to 2 million Americans with the condition of Chiari/Syringomyelia. No accurate counts of either disorder are available, as symptoms can be general and diagnosis is difficult.

YOU can make a difference and change the future of those children and adults affected with CM/SM with your contribution. You will be directly helping those with CM/SM and your donation will help promote research, advocacy, and program services. Presently, there is NO cure for CM/SM. Together, we can find a cure!

Contributions to Chiari And Syringomyelia Network are deductible as charitable contributions on your federal income tax return, subject to various limitations under the federal tax laws. For more information on your individual tax situation, please consult a qualified tax attorney, CPA or other tax advisor.