The Complexity of Arnold-Chiari Malformation :: Biology Essays Research Papers

The Complexity of Arnold-Chiari misshapenness To the medical doctor, Arnold-Chiari Malformation, which may have a genetic link, is characterized by a small or misshapen posterior fossa (the depression in the back of the skull), a reduction in cerebrospinal fluid pathways and a protrusion of the cerebellar tonsils through the bottom of the skull (foramen magnum) into the spinal commodeal resulting in a multitude of sensory-motor problems and even some autonomous malfunctions (1). These many symptoms can come in a variety of forms which often makes a clinical diagnosis difficult. To the patient this discommode can present non except physical difficulties except also mental distress. Treatment options and their success evaluate vary widely, and proponents of the cause are demanding more recognition, research, and success. The study of Arnold-Chiari malformations can impart to additional questions and new understandings about the I-function, sensory-motor input/output paths and t he general yield of the brain and nervous system, but a complete understanding of the disorder may be a long time coming.Impairment and sometimes loss of motor control of the personate and its extremities is one of the many personal effects of this disorder. Patients may complain of headaches, neck pain, coughing, sneezing, dizziness, vertigo, disequilibrium, muscle weakness, balance problems, and loss of beautiful motor control (1). The horse senses (hearing, sight, smell etc.) may also be unnatural in deleterious ways. On can have blurred vision, rock-bottom sensation of limbs, unable to locate them without looking, decreased sense of taste, ringing of the ears etc. (2). Two ideas about the nervous system that can be break up understood from these observations are the concepts of having and locating the I-function. It seems that the I-function here is genuinely often bear on in terms of voluntary movement. A person with Arnold-Chiari malformation who has woolly the feel ing in and control of his arm for example will not be able to move it even upon someones request and his or her suffer desire to do so. Some use of the I-function is definitely impaired. However, these observations do not seem to necessarily imply that some part of the I-function was damaged, because it may very well be located elsewhere- connections may have simply been lost. A person with Arnold-Chiari can still think and have a sense of self, but somehow can not connect with the various body parts that can be affected. Some uses and pathways of the I-function can be understood, but the exact location of it remains vague.