Warning Signs Of Chiari Malformation

Issues With Breathing

Chiari malformation occurs when parts of an individual's brain protrude down into their central spinal canal. Breathing requires the cooperation of several parts of an individual's brain working in tandem. The brainstem and cerebellum both play critical roles in the autonomous part of breathing. The pons in the brain is responsible for bridging the various parts of the brain together that control several critical functions. The lower sections of an individual's pons are responsible for the regulation of breathing intensity, and the upper sections of the pons are responsible for the regulation of the frequency and depth of an individual's breaths. The involuntary part of breathing is managed by a part of the hindbrain referred to as the medulla. When Chiari malformation causes any of these parts of the brain that are responsible for various parameters of breathing to become compressed, individuals will experience breathing problems.

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