Specialized Care for Chiari Malformations

A Chiari malformation occurs when part of the skull is too small or misshapen. As a result, the bone presses on the brain and pushes brain tissue into the spinal canal. There are three Chiari malformation types — I, II and III. The type depends on the extent of brain tissue pushed into the spinal canal. Types II and III are present at birth. Type III is the most severe form of the disease.

Chiari malformation symptoms vary and depending on those symptoms, your doctor might recommend surgical intervention.

We diagnose Chiari malformations with advanced imaging tests like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). Our brain and spine experts use a variety of treatments for Chiari malformations, depending on your symptoms and how the condition affects you.