Chiari Malformation

Overview

Mayo Clinic is one of the world's leading centers for treatment of neurological diseases, including Chiari malformation. Each year, Mayo Clinic specialists treat more than 200 patients for this condition.

Chiari malformation occurs in 1 of 2,000 people, but the incidence of patients who exhibit symptoms is much less. Diagnosis and treatment of Chiari malformation depend on its form, severity and associated symptoms.

At Mayo Clinic, experts from Neurology, Neurosurgery, Child and Adolescent Neurology and other medical specialties work together to diagnose Chiari malformation and determine the most appropriate treatment for each patient. What might take months to accomplish in other settings may be done in days in Mayo's efficient system.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is ranked among the Best Hospitals for Neurology & Neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report.

Diagnosis

At Mayo Clinic, teams of experienced neurologists and neurosurgeons use radiographic imaging to diagnose Chiari malformation correctly. The most definitive test used in Chiari malformation diagnosis is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the skull. Mayo provides the tools and expertise to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Read more about Chiari malformation diagnosis.

Treatment

The goal of Chiari malformation treatment is to halt or reverse the progression of signs and symptoms. The type of treatment depends on the symptoms and severity of the disorder. At Mayo Clinic, highly trained and experienced specialists approach treatment for Chiari malformation conservatively. As a result, patients are spared unnecessary surgery that may not alleviate their symptoms. Read more about Chiari malformation treatment options at Mayo Clinic.

• Treatment in Arizona
• Treatment in Florida
• Treatment in Minnesota
• Treatment of Children & Adolescents

Chiari Malformation

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About Chiari Malformation

Chiari malformation is a rare abnormality at the base of the brain that results in brain tissue extending into the spinal canal. The condition may be congenital (present at birth) or may develop as the skull and brain grow.

Medical experts divide Chiari malformation into several types that reflect the degree of displacement of the brain tissue into the spinal canal. The most common types of malformation are Chiari-I, which often is associated with syringomyelia (a tubular, fluid-filled cavity within the spinal cord), and Chiari-II, which occurs only in patients with spina bifida. The rare Chiari-III and Chiari-IV malformations are part of a larger syndrome seen in children with spina bifida.

Read more about Chiari malformation at www.MayoClinic.com.