Is Chiari malformation more common in women than in men?
Dr. Seiff: It does happen more in women than men. Chances are that’s because of a genetic issue that may predispose certain patients to this problem, and women have, in general, a smaller posterior fossa than men, so they may be more sensitive if it’s even smaller than it should be. What are some of the symptoms patients have? Dr. Seiff: Many patients have multiple symptoms in common. For example, they almost all have a headache. Very many of them have ringing in their ears, swallowing difficulties, coldness, numbness in their hands and feet, tripping, stumbling, bladder control issues – there’s a whole host of things that very many of them have in common. A very high percentage also have short-term memory issues, or recently, they’ve noticed that they’re just not thinking clearly, very forgetful, and those issues as well can improve after this surgery. END OF INTERVIEW This information is intended for additional research purposes only. It is not to be used as a prescription or advice
