Movement Disorder as Unusual Manifestation of Chiari Malformation Type II in a Newborn

Chiari malformation type II (CM-II) is a hindbrain developmental malformation. Movement disorders are rarely described as associated with this condition. We describe the case of a newborn affected by CM-II presenting with head and neck tremors a few days after myelomeningocele repair surgery. Later, self-resolving episodes of expiratory apneas arose. Cranial ultrasounds showed progressive ventricular dilatation. She underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt followed by craniocervical bony decompression. After surgery, both apnea and tremors disappeared. This particular presentation of CM-II is very rare and potentially difficult to diagnose.