Types of Chiari Malformation

There are four types of Chiari malformations, including:

• Type I: This commonly goes unnoticed until problems arise in the teen or adult years of life. In this type, the base of the skull and the upper spinal area are not formed properly.
• Type II: This is the most common type of Chiari malformation. In this type, part of the back of the brain shifts downward through the bottom of the skull area.
• 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 the body. Type II Chiari malformations can also be associated with hydrocephalus.
• Type III: In this type the back of the brain protrudes out of an opening in the back of the skull.
• Type IV: This is the most serious form in which the back of the brain fails to develop normally.

Types of Craniosynostosis

There are numerous types of craniosynostosis, including:

• Plagiocephaly: This is the most common type. It involves fusion of either the right or left side of the coronal suture that runs from ear to ear. It produces a flattening of the forehead and the brow on the affected side, with the forehead tending to be excessively prominent on the opposite side. The eye on the affected side may also have a different shape. There may also be flattening of the back of the head.
• Trigonocephaly: This is a fusion of the metopic (forehead) suture. This suture runs from the top of the head down the middle of the forehead, toward the nose. Early closure of this suture may result in a prominent ridge running down the forehead. Sometimes, the forehead looks quite pointed, like a triangle, with closely placed eyes (hypotelorism).
• Scaphocephaly: This is an early closure of fusion of the sagittal suture. This suture runs front to back, down the middle of the top of the head. This fusion causes a long, narrow skull. The skull is long from front to back and narrow from ear to ear.

Types of Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus can occur either as a condition present at birth (congenital) or it can be acquired later in life.

Causes of acquired hydrocephalus may include the following:

• Tumor
• Infection
• Prematurity
• Bleeding inside the head
• Birth injury
• Abnormal blood vessel formation inside of the head
• Trauma

Best care in the state: The Neurosciences Center at Children’s Wisconsin is the largest and most comprehensive in Wisconsin. We pride ourselves on providing excellent, innovative care for your child. We also advance the development of pediatric neurological, neuropsychological, neurosurgical and neurological rehabilitative treatment options.

High national rankings: The Neurosciences Center at Children's Wisconsin ranks among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report. Our neuroimaging program has been designated a Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology, making it the third pediatric hospital in the United States to earn the award.

Cutting-edge diagnosis and treatment options: We offer the most advanced diagnosis and treatment options for various neurological and neurosurgical conditions. Each child's treatment plan is highly customized to ensure your child always receives the very best care.

Outstanding surgical quality: We're the only Level 1 Children's Surgery Center (highest level possible) in the state. We have superior neurosurgical outcomes, and we offer both minimally invasive and traditional surgical options for various conditions. Our board-certified pediatric neurosurgeons work closely with patient families to determine the best option for each child.