Conquer Chiari:  A Patient's Guide

(320 pages, $19.95)

Ray's Corner

 New:  Does Chiari Progress?

Read Past Articles by Ray

Contents Under Pressure:  One Man's Triumph Over Chiari


(187 pages, $13.00)

Who Is Ray D'Alonzo?

Chiari Malformation (Arnold-Chiari)  is a serious neurological disorder where the bottom part of the brain, the cerebellum, descends out of the skull and crowds the spinal cord, putting pressure on both the brain and spine and causing many symptoms.      

About Chiari:  A Quick Overview    FAQ  

News & Events:
Conquer Chiari Walk Across America: September 18th, 2010 (20 States)

!!Join Us for the 3rd Annual Conquer Pediatric Chiari Gala on October 15th, 2010!!
     Buy Tickets/Donate
     Sponsor the Gala

Conquer Chiari Research Conference:  November 11&12, 2010

Conquer Chiari:

More Info:

Handouts/Brochure

Professional Research Conferences (video web archives):
     Conference 2008
     Conference 2007                

Tips On Finding A Neurosurgeon

Meet Other Chiari People In The Meeting Place

Support Groups

More Education Materials

Conquer Pediatric Chiari

Organize A Fundraiser

Read About Our Accomplishments So Far

Latest Research:  August, 2010
* Mechanical Study Supports Dura Splitting Technique
* Type of Syrinx Influences Body Pain

July 2010
 * Case Study:  When to Return to Sports

June 2010
 * Study Quantifies Tradeoff in Opening Dura During Surgery

Research Archives (Over 300 Articles):
  By Subject
  By Date
  Personal Stories
  Special Topics
  Interviews
  Case Studies

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Quick Facts About Chiari Malformation:

• Affects more than 300,000 people in the US; 30% of children born with spina bifida are also born with a Chiari Malformation.

• Causes a wide ranging, diverse set of symptoms. Research has shown that 95% of patients experience at least 5 symptoms.

• Diagnosed using combination of MRI, neurological exam, physician’s judgment, and other tests; patients often go 5 or more years before being properly diagnosed.

• A study of over 300 Chiari Malformation patients found that 57% had at one time been told by a doctor they were suffering from a mental or emotional problem.

• Many patients undergo serious brain surgery in an attempt to stop symptoms from progressing.

• Research has shown that surgery can improve symptoms for about 80% of patients, but fails about 20% of the time.

• Chiari can place a tremendous physical, mental, emotional, and economic strain on patients and their families.

The C&S Patient Education Foundation, known informally as Conquer Chiari, is a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to improving the experiences and outcomes of Chiari and syringomyelia patients through education, awareness, and research.  The Conquer Chiari website is the single most comprehensive source of information available about Chiari Malformation and related topics. 

Tax deductible donations can be made here.   Tax ID#:  20-0904691.

Give Us A Call:  724-940-0116