Resolution of Papilledema Associated with Chiari I Malformation with Ventriculoperitoneal Shunting

Chiari malformation type 1 (CMI) usually presents with cervical pain and suboccipital headache, among other symptoms. Patients with CMI describe symptoms that are clearly correlated with CMI for an average of 3.1 years before diagnosis. We present a case of a patient with bilateral papilledema and CMI but with no long-standing CMI symptoms. She was initially diagnosed with a concussion but developed unremitting intense occipital headaches 4 days later which prompted an evaluation for an alternative diagnosis. Treatment of this case was ventriculoperitoneal shunting, which may serve as an alternative to posterior fossa decompression under certain circumstances.