Chiari Type II in Spina Bifida

Chiari Type II in Spina Bifida — Early Detection Matters

Chiari Type II Malformation occurs in many people with Myelomeningocele when parts of the cerebellum and brainstem extend downward into the cervical spine. While some individuals never develop symptoms, others may experience serious and progressive neurological or breathing-related complications.

In infants, symptoms may include weak or poor cry, feeding difficulty, noisy breathing, or episodes of poor breathing — which can become life-threatening in severe cases. In older children and adolescents, symptoms may involve stiffness or weakness in the arms or hands, loss of sensation or temperature awareness, or changes in balance and coordination.

Evaluation typically begins with a “shunt-first” approach to confirm proper shunt function before considering treatment. Diagnosis commonly includes MRI and functional testing, and when symptoms are worsening or life-threatening, surgery may be considered to restore cerebrospinal fluid flow.

Early recognition, careful monitoring, and timely specialist evaluation are essential.

Learn more: https://sbanys.org/…/Symptomatic-Chiari-Malformation.pdf