Chiari Malformation Type I: Dysphagia and Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia. A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Chiari Malformation Type I (CM-I) involves the descent of the cerebellar tonsils 5 mm through the foramen magnum. This case report discusses a patient with dysphagia and glossopharyngeal neuralgia as unusual symptoms of CM-I. Case Presentation: A 59-year-old Afro-Colombian housewife presented with a clinical picture that began three years ago with dysphagia for solids and liquids, coughing when swallowing, recurrent cervical pain, and xerostomia. A neurological examination revealed deviation of the uvula to the right and absence of the gag reflex. A cerebral nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was performed, showing the descent of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum, compressing the medulla oblongata. CM-I was diagnosed, and the anomaly was corrected. The patient reported complete improvement of dysphagia and associated symptoms. Conclusions: CM-I poses a diagnostic challenge when presenting with dysphagia and glossopharyngeal neuralgia; however, timely diagnosis defines its proper management and prognosis.

Keywords

• arnold-chiari malformation
• colombia
• deglutition disorders
• dysphagia
• glossopharyngeal nerve diseases