Laura
Wendy, I am not sure what the difference is between Chiari type 1 and Arnold Chiari Malformation is but Arnold Chiari requires surgery. Unfortunately this kind of thing many times is found by accident on MRI after a traumatic event or if a family member insists on having an MRI. There are great neurosurgeons in Atlanta (where I am a neurosurgical nurse) that can help you. I don't know where you live but there are great neurosurgeons nation wide. You need to ivestigate further. There is Joseph Petronio, MD in Minnesota that has a website that may shed some light on your situation. Good luck to you.