Pediatric neurosurgery · scheduled consultation
Chiari & Syrinx
Plain-language review of Chiari malformation, a syrinx, headache patterns, and whether symptoms match the imaging.
When consultation may help
Bring the concern into focus.
A scheduled visit brings symptoms, imaging, prior care, and family priorities into one organized conversation.
A syrinx or syringomyelia finding
↗Headache brought on by coughing or straining
↗Balance, swallowing, weakness, numbness, or scoliosis concerns
↗Help us see the whole story
What to bring when it is available.
Do not delay urgent care to gather records. For a scheduled visit, these materials can make the conversation more useful.
Brain and spine MRI images and reports
Prior imaging for comparison
A headache and symptom timeline
Neurology, therapy, or scoliosis records when relevant
How this concern is approached.
The review asks whether the child’s symptoms, examination, tonsillar position, cerebrospinal-fluid spaces, and any syrinx fit together. Imaging alone does not decide the plan; observation, follow-up, additional review, or surgery is discussed only when clinically appropriate.
Questions families ask
A little more clarity.
Are Chiari and a syrinx the same thing?
No. Chiari describes the position of structures at the junction of the brain and spine. A syrinx is a fluid-filled cavity within the spinal cord. They can occur together, but each finding needs to be understood in context.
Does the MRI measurement decide treatment?
A measurement alone does not explain every headache or decide whether surgery is needed. Symptoms, the examination, fluid flow and any spinal-cord changes help guide the discussion. Some children are followed without an operation.
What should we track before the visit?
Note when headaches happen, whether coughing or straining brings them on, and any changes in balance, swallowing or hand function. Bring brain and spine imaging already obtained; the team can explain whether further studies would answer a specific question.
How the visit moves
Careful. Clear. Together.
Listen
Review symptoms, timing, prior care, daily impact, and the family’s goals.
Review
Place MRI, CT, X-ray, ultrasound, reports, and records in context.
Explain
Translate the finding and reasonable options into plain language.
Plan
Define monitoring, testing, referral, follow-up, or surgery when appropriate.
The people behind the promise
Clinical focus. Thoughtful systems.
Two complementary roles support a clear, reliable experience for children and families.
Dr. Stacey E. Podkovik
Dr. Podkovik leads the neurosurgical evaluation with a pediatric focus, connecting the child’s story, symptoms, imaging, prior care, and family priorities into a clear next-step plan.
Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA
Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA, supports the practice through physician-led management, care coordination, and reliable systems. Dr. Stacey Podkovik leads neurosurgical evaluation and treatment.
When symptoms should not wait.
Sudden weakness, severe breathing or swallowing difficulty, seizure, loss of consciousness, or rapidly worsening neurologic symptoms requires emergency care.
Sources behind this overview
Family education from established health organizations.
These links support the general overview and cannot replace an individualized pediatric evaluation.
Continue exploring
Every pathway, connected.
01Head Shape & Cranial ConditionsExplore02Hydrocephalus & ShuntsExplore03Chiari & SyrinxYou are here04Tethered Cord & Spina BifidaExplore05Brain & Spine TumorsExplore06Head Injuries & ConcussionExplore07Spasticity CareExplore08Second OpinionsExplore09Arachnoid CystsExplore
This page provides general educational information and does not replace a medical evaluation. Calling the office or using this site does not establish a physician-patient relationship. Iris is a scripted navigation helper and does not diagnose, triage, or provide medical advice.