A Neanderthal-shaped skull may explain why some people get headaches

image via New Scientist

July 1, 2025, 3:00 PM

• •Chiari malformations, characterized by a compressed brain, may be linked to Neanderthal genetic inheritance.
• •Research suggests that the skull shape of individuals with Chiari mirrors that of Neanderthals.
• •3D models and analysis support the theory that specific skull traits in Chiari patients resemble those of Neanderthals.
• •Scientists plan to analyze DNA to search for Neanderthal genes in individuals with Chiari malformations.

A recent study suggests a potential link between Chiari malformations, a condition where the brain is compressed, and Neanderthal genetic inheritance. Researchers found that the skull shape of individuals with Chiari mirrors that of Neanderthals, specifically in the flatter base of the skull. Using 3D models and detailed analysis, they confirmed the similarities, supporting the idea that these traits may have been inherited. As a next step, the team plans to analyze DNA to search for Neanderthal genes in individuals with Chiari malformations, hoping to find a definitive answer.

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