Voice Quality Affection as a Symptom of Chiari Formation

Abstract

Voice alteration as a presenting symptom in cases with Chiari formation is analyzed, as well as outcome after atlantoaxial fixation. During the period January 2016 to June 2017, 25 cases of Chiari formation presented with associated or a major presenting symptom of voice or speech quality alteration related to inadequate breathing efforts. All patients underwent atlantoaxial fixation. No foramen magnum decompression was done. In all patients, the voice quality and volume and breathing disturbances improved in the immediate postoperative period after recovering from anesthesia. During the period of follow-up that ranged from 12 to 25 months, all patients continued to improve in their speech function. Such critical symptoms of voice disturbance and inadequate breathing and the possibility of rapid postoperative recovery have not been recorded earlier in the literature.