What is an Arnold Chiari Malformation?
There are 4 types of Chiari malformation. A type II Chiari malformation is sometimes called an Arnold-Chiari malformation. With Arnold Chiar malformations, part of the back of the brain shifts downward through the bottom of the skull area. • Arnold Chiari (type II Chiari) malformations are typically seen in infants who are born with spina bifida, a neurological condition that causes a portion of the spinal cord and the surrounding structures to develop outside, instead of inside, the body. • Arnold Chiari ( type II Chiari) malformations can also be associated with a condition known as hydrocephalus, which is sometimes called water on the brain.