Presentation of Chiari I malformation after craniocervical trauma: A case report

Reported is a unique case of Chiari I malformation with syringomyelia and medullar hemorrhage, which became symptomatic 4 days after a craniocervical trauma when the patient was doing neck exercises. The patient manifested respiratory arrest, tetraparesis, and persistent lower cranial nerve dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging studies revealed a Chiari I malformation with a large cervicothoracic syringomyelia defect and medullar hemorrhage. The patient underwent surgery but some symptoms persisted after the operation. Type I Chiari malformation should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients who present with extremity weakness (upper or lower), lower cranial nerve palsy, or respiratory arrest after trauma or neck exercises.