Brent,

whilst I agree, that the symptoms you mention are all linked in some way with
Chiari, they can also be the result of a condition we're (adults with SB and
their carers/families/spouses) all too well aware of called, Non Verbal Learning
Difficulty or Disability. This is often the cause of our lack of vocabulary and
not the Chiari itself. The sucking reaction, may simply be down to certain
levels of Hydrocephalus, although, you make no mention of it.

I'm more expert in Myelo SB than I am in others, so, my comments and
observations are speculative, in this case, I was keen that you consider likely
existing conditions Charlie has or may have , before you considered the possibly
more severe symptoms that Chiari carries?

If Charlie does not have Hydrocephalus, chances are, he does not have Chiari
either, as the two normally go 'hand in hand'. However, in my case, I had Hydro,
which arrested before I was born and in my case, I have ACM I instead of the
more common ACM II that is prevalent in people with Myelo.

Non Verbal Learning Difficulty/Disability (NVLD) is well documented on search
sites, such as ask.com and Google.

I hope my observation and viewpoints, has been helpful?

John
--- In spinabifidacentral@yahoogroups.com, "Brent" <brent196847@...> wrote:
>
> My son charlie 18 months old, has lympomenigicelle and I am concerned about
him having Arnold-Chiari Malformation. I was aware that this was common in Myo
but not so much in Lypo. He is unable to suck with a straw and has some speech
problems such as limited vocab. and difficulty expressing himself. How can we
test for this? What can be done? What arer other symptoms? Any help or more
info. is greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Brent
>