Chiari Malformations

Our brain and spine experts work together to provide leading-edge care for Chiari malformations.

Chiari Malformations

Our brain and spine experts work together to provide leading-edge care for Chiari malformations.

Specialized Care for Chiari Malformations

A Chiari malformation occurs when part of the skull is too small or misshapen. As a result, the bone presses on the brain and pushes brain tissue into the spinal canal. There are three Chiari malformation types — I, II and III. The type depends on the extent of brain tissue pushed into the spinal canal. Types II and III are present at birth. Type III is the most severe form of the disease.

Chiari malformation symptoms vary and depending on those symptoms, your doctor might recommend surgical intervention.

We diagnose Chiari malformations with advanced imaging tests like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). Our brain and spine experts use a variety of treatments for Chiari malformations, depending on your symptoms and how the condition affects you.

Trusted Chiari Malformations Treatment

As an academic health center, we can offer innovative approaches you can only find at a world-class facility.

You benefit from the expertise of neurovascular, neurology and spine care specialists. They ensure you get the Chiari malformation treatment that gives you the best possible results.

We maximize your time by ensuring you see several different care providers during your visit.

You can depend on personal attention and support from a team of experts who put your health and well-being first.

Our Team

Ram Kiran Alluri, MD

Accepting new patients
Assistant Professor of Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery
Specialties
Spine Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery

Thomas C. Chen, MD, PhD

Accepting new patients
Professor of Neurological Surgery
Specialties
Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery, Brain Tumor  View more

David S. Cheng, MD

Accepting new patients
Clinical Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery
Specialties
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pain Medicine, Interventional Spine and Musculoskeletal Medicine  View more

Raymond J. Hah, MD

Accepting new patients
Associate Professor of Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery
Specialties
Spine Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery

Patrick C. Hsieh, MD

Accepting new patients
Professor of Clinical Neurological Surgery
Specialties
Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery

John C. Liu, MD

Accepting new patients
Professor of Neurosurgery
Specialties
Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery

Christopher C. Ornelas, MD

Accepting new patients
Chief of Spine Medicine, Director of USC Spine Medicine Serv …
Specialties
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Orthopedic Surgery, Pain Medicine  View more

Michael Safaee, MD

Accepting new patients
Assistant Professor Of Clinical Neurological Surgery
Specialties
Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery

Mark J. Spoonamore, MD

Accepting new patients
Associate Professor of Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery
Specialties
Spine Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery

Gene Tekmyster, DO

Accepting new patients
Assistant Professor of Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery
Specialties
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine, Interventional Spine and Musculoskeletal Medicine  View more

Jeffrey C. Wang, MD

Accepting new patients
Professor of Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery and Neurosurgery ( …
Specialties
Spine Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery

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