Types of Chiari Malformation

7. Complications

For some individuals, Chiari malformation is a progressive disorder leading to excess fluid accumulating in the brain or hydrocephalus. This is usually corrected with shunt placement to divert excess fluid to another part of the body. Other complications are syringomyelia, in which a cyst or cavity forms within the spinal cord. The cyst can destroy the central portion of the cord and cause nerve damage. This can lead to chronic pain, difficulty walking, numbness in the extremities, and stiffness in the back, arms, and legs.