This curious term clearly implies that there is no Chiari malformationAn anatomical abnormality affecting the lowermost part of brain, where it joins the spinal cord, at the top of the neck. Various sub-types are described - see under their individual names. The term hindbrain hernia is sometimes used to incorporate all forms. present and yet it is not synonymous with “normal”. People diagnosed as having “Chiari zero” present with symptoms which are typical of an anatomically obvious Chiari malformations but they display apparently normal appearances at the craniovertebral junctionThat part of the body where the base of the skull is joined to the top of the spine. Inside these bony enclosures, the craniovertebral junction is also where the brain stem continues downwards as the spinal cord., as seen on magnetic resonance imagingA highly sophisticated form of obtaining images (pictures) of the internal structures of the body. Unlike some other forms of imaging, magnetic resonance imaging does not involve the subject being exposed to ionising radiation, which can be harmful if used to excess. Magnetic resonance imaging can reveal not just structures but information about how well or otherwise body parts are functioning.. In some cases the imaging reveals a syringomyeliaA cavity, within the spinal cord, which is filled with cerebrospinal fluid. Syringomyelia cavities come in various “shapes and sizes”, from short, spindle-shaped cavities through to long, tense cavities extending throughout the greater part of the spinal cord. Read more cavity lower down, in the spinal cordThe main nerve trunk running down the spinal canal and connecting the individual’s mind and consciousness to the rest of his or her body. It is about the size of a person’s little finger, in diameter. It cannot repair itself if damaged., providing further evidence that symptoms are due to some disturbance of cerebrospinal fluidThis clear, water-like fluid forms, for the most part, within the brain, more specifically inside the ventricles of the brain. Blood flows through structures inside the ventricles, called the choroid plexuses, and clear fluid is produced as a result, passing into the ventricle. This process is akin to blood flowing through the kidneys and urine being produced as a result. An important difference is that, unlike urine, the cerebrospinal fluid is not passed out of the body periodically. Instead, the fluid is re-absorbed back into the blood stream, mostly via the arachnoid granulations, into the cerebral venous sinuses. In the course of a 24-hour period, most healthy adults will produce about 500mls (or a pint) of cerebrospinal fluid, although at... flow across the craniovertebral junctionThat part of the body where the base of the skull is joined to the top of the spine. Inside these bony enclosures, the craniovertebral junction is also where the brain stem continues downwards as the spinal cord..
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