"Right now, surgery is the only treatment option for clinically symptomatic Chiari malformations. Our process for the surgery requires a greater amount of time, but the protocols we've implemented have radically changed the level of safety available." - John Honeycutt, M.D.
There is no cure for Chiari malformation. However, most children who don't have symptoms won't require treatment. If your child does have Chiari malformation but doesn't have any symptoms, he or should continue to see their doctors for regular checkups to make sure that their condition doesn't change.
When symptoms do occur, treatment will focus on relieving them and stopping further damage to the brain and spinal cord (for example, medications may be used to ease symptoms like headaches and neck pain). And sometimes the doctor will recommend limiting activities that worsen symptoms.
For severe symptoms, surgery is the only treatment available to correct functional disturbances or halt the progression of damage to the central nervous system. If your child is referred for surgery, you will meet with the surgeon and your neurology team to determine the best plan of action for your child.
A common procedure for kids with Chiari malformation is decompression. It helps to relieve pressure on the brain and spinal cord, restore the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, and prevent additional damage. This surgery usually takes several hours and involves removing part of the skull and a portion of the spine's top vertebra.
Another surgical option involves implanting a shunt or tube to help drain cerebrospinal fluid and relieve pressure on the brain. Shunts are commonly used to help children who have hydrocephalus or syringomyelia.
Infants and children with myelomeningocele may require surgery to reposition the spinal cord and close the opening in the back.
While surgery is not a cure for Chiari malformations, in certain cases it can provide relief and help to restore your child's ability to do the everyday things that kids do, like run, jump, play, read, write and share special moments with family and friends. In other words, enjoy childhood as much as possible.