symptomatic chiari malformation with syringomyelia after severe traumatic brain injury: case report

chiari malformation type i (cm-i) is a congenital disorder, which is basically a tonsillar herniation (≥ 5 mm) below the foramen magnum with or without syringomyelia. the real cause behind this malformation is still unknown. patients may remain asymptomatic until they engender a deteriorating situation, such as cervical trauma. the objective of this case report is to give a broad perspective on cm-i from the clinical findings obtained in a patient with asymptomatic non-communicating syringomyelia associated with a cm-i exacerbated within 2 years of a tbi, and to discuss issues related to that condition.