The aim of the Ann Conroy Trust Local Support Groups is to bring together, in a local area, people living with, or recently diagnosed with, 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. and/or 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, in order for them to meet, socialise and share experiences in an informal and supportive setting. These groups cannot provide medical advice or information to their own members or others. Nor are meetings to be used for the criticism of healthcare professionals, or political campaigning. Anything discussed in the group must remain confidential and we ask members to always respect others’ privacy. Information would only be shared with outside organisations in exceptional circumstances, in particular where someone is at risk of harm, abuse, or if any other safeguarding issue came to light. Any queries arising from the group meetings should be directed to the Ann Conroy Trust website where further information on the conditions and a list of professionals can be found.
Listen to Sarah Semmens, Local Support Liaison for the Chiari and 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 Group for Cornwall, in this insightful radio interview about Spina BifidaDuring development, at each level of the spine two plates of bone migrate towards one another and fuse, in the midline, forming what are referred to as spinous processes. It is the tips of these spinous processes that we feel when running a finger down our spines. Sometimes one or more of the pairs of plates fail to fuse adequately, such that two, shorter spinous processes form on each side of the midline. This is what is referred to as spina bifida. It affects most commonly the lower part of the spine, in the lumbar region. Many people may quite unaware that they have such split (or, more specifically, never joined), spinous processes. Plain radiographs, or magnetic resonance imaging, may… Awareness Week. She discusses 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. and 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, and how local support groups can assist.
