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

7. Insomnia

Many individuals with Chiari malformation deal with sleep problems. In many instances, it will be insomnia, which refers to a disorder that makes it quite challenging for individuals to fall or stay asleep at night. Insomnia can appear in the short-term, which means that it is an acute case, or in the long-term, which means it is chronic. Acute insomnia typically spans from one night to a few weeks before disappearing. Most doctors agree that chronic insomnia is experiencing it at least three nights each week for at least three months. Patients dealing with Chiari malformation are more likely to experience chronic insomnia, even if their inability to sleep is only due to the discomfort from their other symptoms.

8. Tinnitus

Chiari malformation type 1 may cause tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, in some patients. The good news is that tinnitus is not as common in Chiari malformation as other symptoms. However, some experts say that up to fifty-six percent of patients may experience ringing in their ears due to Chiari malformation. Others claim that the average is likely around thirty-eight percent of patients. Ringing is the most common word used to describe the sound that patients deal with due to tinnitus. However, others may describe it differently, such as a humming, clicking, or buzzing sound. Treatment for Chiari malformation should relieve this condition, although patients may also benefit from specific tinnitus treatments, including tinnitus retraining therapy and white noise machines.