Chiari I malformation is the most common variant of the Chiari malformations and is characterized by a caudal descent of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum. Chiari I malformations often remain asymptomatic until adulthood and symptoms are proportional to the degree of cerebellar tonsils’ descent. If present, symptoms may include a headache and those associated with brainstem compression, syringomyelia, or scoliosis. Treatment with posterior decompression is usually reserved for symptomatic patients or those with a syrinx. The indication for surgery in chiari cases with mild clinical presentation is controversial. In cases with only headache as a symptom, it is also a challenge to decide that if the headache is due to Chiari.
Professor Shailendra A Magdum giving a lecture on “Chiari 1 Malformations”, don't miss it!
