Quick Pediatric Chiari Facts

Quick Facts About Pediatric Chiari

  • Although it is estimated that Chiari affects about 300,000 people in the US, it is not known how many children are affected.
  • Up to 30% of children born with Spina Bifida also have Chiari.
  • Trouble swallowing is one of the most common symptoms in young children with Chiari, which can lead to growth problems.
  • Older children with Chiari often have scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine.
  • The cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and developmental effects of Chiari have not been studied extensively, and are not well understood.
  • There is no real cure for Chiari, rather many children have to undergo a painful surgery in an attempt to alleviate symptoms, and some children end up having multiple surgeries.
  • There have been reports of sudden death related to Chiari, for example due to respiratory issues, but it is not clear how often this occurs.