Sometimes, there can be a malformation in the skull wherein the bottom rear portion is smaller than it needs to be. This results in the cerebellum (which controls balance and co-ordination) and brainstem being pushed downwards. In turn, this blocks cerebrospinal fluid resulting in a variety of symptoms. Most cases are accompanied by the accumulation of fluid within the spinal cord – a condition known as syringomyelia an often debilitating and progressive condition.
The pain caused by this can be alleviated through medication but surgery is the only course of action which can correct the condition. Surgery consists of a procedure known as ‘foramen magnum decompression and duraplasty’ with or without specific procedures directed towards the syringomyelia.