Chiari Malformation - Information and Management

A picture of a type I Chiari Malformation were the base of the brain is herniating through the base of the skull

This rare benign condition is a malformation of the base of the skull and brain that results in the lower portion of the brain protruding through the foramen magnum - the opening at the base of the skull.

The protruding brain can block the normal flow of the fluid that protects the brain and spinal cord, leading to elevated pressure in the brain and a wide range of problems, such as headaches and difficulty walking.  The diagnosis of Chiari malformation generally requires a scan of the brain, such as a CT or MRI.

​The options for treating Chiari Malformation include adopting a watch-and-wait approach, symptom management with analgesia or sometimes surgery to decompress the protruded brain and open up the flow of brain fluid. 

Watch the video below for more information about Chiari Malformation.

---

---