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. 

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. 

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.