A genetic component in Chiari I malformation: Chiari 1 malformation in all five family members.

Under certain classifications, a Chiari type I (CMI) malformation can be characterized as a herniation of the cerebellar tonsils greater than 3 mm. Patients with CMI often have a smaller posterior fossa volume, which results in a smaller amount of space for the cerebellum, leading to the herniation of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum. Although inheritable factors such as posterior fossa volume can be traced to specific genes, there has not been a gene that can be attributed to directly causing CMI. However, several cases of CMI have exhibited a familial inheritance pattern. There are mixed findings regarding the exact nature of its inheritance, with some papers arguing in favor of an autosomal dominant pattern. In this case series, we detail a mother, father, and all 3 of their children diagnosed with CMI. Previous literature has not included both a mother and father with CMI.

Seizure caused by intraparenchymal hemorrhage from migration of mandibular dental wire through foramen ovale in a child: A case report.

The foramen ovale is a structure that allows for the extracranial passage of multiple significant intracranial structures, most notably the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve (CN V3). Here we report the case of a 12-year-old male who presented to the emergency department (ED) with a two-day history of nausea and emesis and a one-day history of altered mental status. Prior to presentation, he started speaking only Spanish, which was unusual because he primarily speaks English. He was also showing signs of absence seizures. Computed Tomography (CT) showed his orthodontic wire had migrated and was entering his skull through the foramen ovale, terminating within the inferior temporal lobe. Associated with the wire was an intraparenchymal hemorrhage. Imaging indicated the sparing of the internal carotid artery and its major branches, suggesting the hemorrhage was likely venous in nature. The wire was then safely removed with no complications. Same day and follow-up neurologic exams all demonstrated no deficit in CN V3 or any of the other surrounding structures. To our knowledge, this is the first case described in the literature in which a foreign object penetrated the skull floor through the foramen ovale.