Chiari malformation

Chiari malformation is a complex developmental anomaly of the central nervous system especially involving posterior cranial fossa, hindbrain, spinal cord, and craniocervical junction. This malformation is classified into some types sharing the location but with different pathophysiological backgrounds, symptomatology, and prognosis. The most common types of this malformation include Chiari malformations type I and II which encompass the majority of patients and most of the available data in the literature belong to these types. Due to the complex nature of these malformations, there is much debate about different controversial aspects of this entity such as underlying pathophysiological processes, appropriate diagnostic criteria, optimal management, and also the reliable outcome measurement scales applicable to these patients. Therefore, in this chapter, we try to provide a current and up to date overview of this interesting topic from various angles to fulfill the needs of not only pediatric neurosurgeons but also the other clinicians who may be involved with Chiari patients in their daily practice.