10 Key Signs That Could Indicate Chiari Malformation: Decoding the Clues

4. Poor Coordination

The cerebellum puts together the sequence of movements and then implements them. Other parts of the brain are involved in the movement coordination process. However, the cerebellum is responsible for most of this function, along with posture and balance. When the cerebellum becomes damaged due to excessive pressure, the individual will have trouble controlling the position of their legs, arms, and posture. Chiari malformation patients can sustain extensive damage to parts of their cerebellum as it inappropriately extends down into the increasingly narrow spinal canal. The medical terms used to describe these problems with coordination are known as dysmetria and ataxia. Poor coordination may or may not be isolated to a patient's posture and limbs when it is caused by Chiari malformation.