BMC’s Yawkey building doors are now closed as an entrance as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance our campus and provide you with the best clinical care.

All patients and visitors on our main campus must enter our hospital via Shapiro, Menino, or Moakley buildings, where they will be greeted by team members at a new centralized check-in desk before continuing to the hospital. We are excited to welcome you and appreciate your patience as we improve our facilities.

Chiari Malformation


A Chiari malformation is when brain tissue extends into the spinal cord. It's caused by the skull being misshapen or too small, which pushes brain tissue downward. 

There are three types of Chiari malformation:

  • Type one happens as the brain and skull grow, and it may not cause symptoms until later in childhood or even in adulthood. 
  • Types two is present at birth and leads to more brain issue extending into the spinal cord than type one.
  • Type three is also present at birth and is the rarest and most serious type of Chiari malformation. In this type, the cerebellum, or brainstem, extends through an opening in the skull.

Treatment for Chiari malformation depends on what type you have and whether you have symptoms. The most common treatment is surgery.

Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition

department

Neurosurgery

We provide comprehensive surgical treatment of the spine for trauma, degenerative conditions, congenital problems, and more. Our surgeons are experts in less invasive surgical tec…
Neurosurgery
department

Pediatric Neurosurgery

We have extensive experience in pediatric neurosurgery, using state-of-the-art techniques and compassion to provide expert care and guidance during a potentially difficult time.
Pediatric Neurosurgery