Chiari Malformation

Treatment

Chiari malformation

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Mayo Clinic doctors trained in brain and nervous system conditions (neurologists), brain and nervous system surgery (neurosurgeons) and other doctors treat Chiari malformation.

Your treatment depends on your symptoms and the type and severity of your condition. The goal of treatment is to stop or reverse your signs and symptoms. Your treatment team will work with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan for you.

• Surgery. If you're experiencing symptoms, you may need surgery. Your doctor may remove a small section of bone at the back of your skull (posterior foramen magnum decompression) or upper cervical spine to make room for a part of your brain (the cerebellum) and relieve pressure on the brainstem, cerebellum and spinal cord. During surgery, the covering of your brain (dura) may be enlarged with a patch, to create more room for the brain and spinal cord. If you have a fluid-filled cavity in your spinal cord (syrinx) or fluid buildup in your brain (hydrocephalus), you may also need a tube (shunt) to drain the excess fluid.
• Monitoring. If you don't have symptoms or symptoms which aren't clearly related to the Chiari malformation, you only may require monitoring of your condition and regular follow-up appointments with your doctor.