Persistent crying in infancy as a presentation of Chiari type I malformation

Abstract

Persistent crying during infancy often proves to be one of the most vexatious problems encountered by both pediatricians and parents. Although rarely found, an occult focus of pain may lead to such persistent crying and irritability. The Chiari type I malformation represents a caudal displacement of the cerebellar tonsils below the level of the foramen m a g n u m ) Common presenting complaints in children or adults with Chiari type I malformation include headache or neck pain, weakness, sensory loss, or ataxia. 2 We describe an infant who had persistent crying, starting in the first month of life, and in whom a Chiari type I malformation was ultimately diagnosed; neurosurgical repair was followed by complete resolution of symptoms.