Università degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia
Corso di laurea in infermieristica - Sede di Modena

Abstract

Arnold-Chiari syndrome is a condition characterized by an anatomical defect of the cranium base. The cerebellum and brain stem are herniated through the foramen magnum into the spinal canal. The onset of symptoms usually occurs in the second decade of life (25 years) for type 1 and from birth for type 2. Symptoms may change with phases of remission and worsening, deriving from the efforts made. The diagnosis is made through neuroimaging techniques. The most efficient therapy for patients with this malformation is surgical decompression of the foramen magnum; however there are also non-surgical therapies, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, to relieve neuropathic pain.
It is essential to determine patients’ needs regarding care in fields such as health, education, relationships and awareness: the nurse has a primary role in customising that kind of assistance on each patient. He/she has to be able to recognize all the patient’s needs, not only from a clinical point of view, but also from a socio-economic and spiritual one, and to set the right priorities and thus act accordingly. The nurse plays a key role inside his/her diagnostic and therapeutic operating unit, the operating room and the patient's home.
Since Chiari malformation occurs more often during paediatric age, it is paramount to educate the patient, if he/she is already able to learn, and his/her parents, who must be trained to monitor any changes that might affect the health of their child and to experience hospitalization more serenely.