Meet Carly

June is Headache and Migraine Awareness Month, a time to shed light on conditions that affect millions worldwide. When Carly was 4 years old, she began having frequent headaches every time she would play or run. Concerned, Carly's mother, Kaylee, took her to their ophthalmologist and pediatrician, who recommended that Carly be seen by a neurologist at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Once here, Carly's neurologist diagnosed her with migraines but wanted to conduct an MRI to further explore the cause of her pain. The MRI revealed that Carly had complex Chiari malformation, a condition in which the lower part of the brain (the cerebellum) extends into the space normally occupied by the spinal cord. Carly was then referred to Jonathan Pindrik, MD, pediatric neurosurgeon and neurosurgical co-director of the Craniofacial Program and the Nationwide Children's site principal investigator for the Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network (HCRN).

Though initially frightened by this unfamiliar diagnosis, Carly and her family were soon reassured by Dr. Pindrik and the staff at Nationwide Children's. At age 6, Carly underwent Chiari decompression surgery. The surgery was a success and follow-up brain scans showed her cerebellum decompressing and its position in her brain improved.

Today, Carly is a happy and healthy 8-year-old. She enjoys spending time outside, crafting, trying new things and being active – something that was previously difficult due to her condition.

Carly and her family are very grateful to Nationwide Children's for helping her to return to her animated, energetic self. “It is absolutely terrifying having a child in the hospital, but the staff at Nationwide Children's helped to make it all a little more bearable,” says Kaylee. In her spare time, Carly makes blankets and collects pop tabs for the patients at the Ronald McDonald House. The family also works to raise awareness for Chiari malformation, ensuring that others know they are not alone.