Incidental finding of Chiari I malformation with progression of symptoms after head trauma: case report

Chiari I malformation (CMI) is a neurologic structural anomaly involving cerebellar herniation through the foramen magnum. It is most commonly diagnosed in adult patients who are often asymptomatic. Although there are several case reports of sudden death and neurologic deficits after minor head trauma in patients with CMI, little is known about the effects of trauma on CMI. This case describes a woman with chronic headaches who had an incidental finding of CMI with obstructive hydrocephalus and progression of symptoms after minor head trauma.