Chiari Malformation

Chiari Malformation

  • Overview
  • Approach
  • Symptoms
  • Treatment
  • Locations
  • Doctors

    • What is Chiari Malformation?

    Chiari malformation is a commonly seen anomaly of the brain that is often diagnosed during childhood. It is characterized by a protrusion of a small part of the brain through the bottom of the skull (the foramen magnum) and into the spinal canal. The portions of the cerebellum that protrude into the spinal canal are called the "cerebellar tonsils" because they resemble the tonsils. Although there are several types of Chiari Malformations, most individuals have a Type I Chiari malformation. Type II Chiari Malformation is associated with spina bifida, is much less common than Type I, and is usually diagnosed at birth along with an associated spinal cord anomaly.

    Our Approach

    In C.S. Mott Children's Hospital's Pediatric Chiari Malformation Program, our physicians work with a full complement of pediatric sub-specialists to determine an individualized treatment plan for each patient, involving the family in the decision process each step of the way.

    We hope that our patients will benefit from our vast experience with treating this disorder both surgically as well as non-surgically. Furthermore, it is our hope that patients around the world will benefit from our many ongoing research protocols on this condition. 

    What are the symptoms of Chiari Malformation?

    In many cases, patients diagnosed with Chiari Malformation Type I are asymptomatic. For some individuals, however, the Chiari Malformation may be associated with symptoms such as headaches (especially with exertion), dizziness, numbness, swallowing difficulties, and difficulties with balance and coordination. If a Chiari Malformation does not cause symptoms or affect a person's daily life, it generally will not require treatment. If your child has associated symptoms that are ongoing (chronic) or associated with damage to the spinal cord, your child may need surgery. 

    How is Chiari Malformation treated?

    If a Chiari Malformation does not cause symptoms or affect a person's daily life, it generally will not require treatment. If your child has associated symptoms that are ongoing (chronic) or associated with damage to the spinal cord, your child may need surgery.

    Locations
    • Pediatric Neurosurgery Clinic | C. S. Mott Children's Hospital 1540 E Hospital Dr
      Floor 3 Reception B
      Ann Arbor, MI 48109-4219       Get Directions
    • Pediatric Neurosurgery Clinic | Northville Health Center 39901 Traditions Dr
      Floor 2
      Northville, MI 48168-9493       Get Directions
    • Pediatric Neurosurgery Clinic | Sparrow Professional Building 1200 E Michigan Avenue
      Ste 340
      Lansing, MI 48912       Get Directions

    Doctors

     Search for a U-M Health doctor

    Hugh James Lauriston Garton, MD

    Professor

    Neurological Surgery

    Suresh Natesh Magge

    Suresh Natesh Magge, MD

    Clinical Professor

    Neurological Surgery

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