My best friend has chiari malformation, what type treatment would be suggested to help relieve some of the symptoms without surgery.

There are 3 types.: Some people with chiari malformation have no symptoms and do not require treatment. Some symptoms of chiari malformation such as headache and dizziness may be effectively treated by medication. Medication alone, however, will not correct the root cause of the symptoms: the brain stem compression. As a rule, when the chiari malformation causes symptoms that seriously impair life surgery is needed.

Yes and no: This is a disorder of spinal fluid circulation so Diamox (acetazolamide) is a medication that reduces cerebrospinal fluid output. If you have symptoms and this is more than just an incidental imaging finding, it is a long shot that this medicine will cure you. Removal of a portion of the back of the skill called suboccipital craniectomy, is a safe and effective procedure.