Background: Chiari malformation (CM) is characterized by herniation of the cerebellar tonsils into the cervical spine. While ample literature on CM exists for clinical and procedural aspects of the disease, few studies have measured the impact CM has on daily activities.
Objective: The objective of this study was to measure the impact that CM has on daily living activities.
Methods: Data was analyzed from 798 CM patients gathered by the national Conquer Chiari Patient Registry database.
Results: Results indicate CM is associated with negative impact on daily living and physical activities for patients, even those exhibiting mild symptoms. Participants with severe symptoms experience the greatest deficit with regards to daily living such as difficulty walking, driving, housecleaning and food preparation.
Conclusions: As 96.1% of CM patients report impact in one or more areas of daily living, CM is classified as a disability according to 42 U.S. CODE § 12101 (Americans with Disabilities Act). The degree of self-reported CM symptom severity is strongly related to the frequency and extent of limitations in both physical and daily activities.
Keywords: Arnold-Chiari malformation; Daily living; Physical activities; Quality of life; Recreational activities.
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