Important Announcements

Nondiscrimination Policy Update

Boston Medical Center Health System complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency and primary language), religion, culture, physical or mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression. BMCHS provides free aids and services to people with disabilities and free language services to people whose primary language is not English.

To read our full Nondiscrimination Statement, click here.

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