Final answer:
Chiari I malformation is a congenital condition often asymptomatic in childhood, true to the statement. It is part of a range of neural tube defects such as spina bifida and myelomeningocele, which can present with varying symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, a Chiari I malformation is indeed a congenital condition and is often asymptomatic in childhood. A Chiari malformation is a structural defect in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance. While this condition is present at birth, symptoms may not manifest until later in life. Various types of neural tube defects present different symptoms. Examples include spina bifida occulta, which is often asymptomatic, and myelomeningocele, where severe neurological symptoms can be present due to the involvement of spinal nerves. Removal of parts of the skull can relieve symptoms caused by the compression of brain tissue in Chiari malformations, but each case varies. Understanding these conditions is crucial, especially for individuals like the one pictured with cri-du-chat syndrome, where observation over several years can display the impacts of the condition on development. It is important to distinguish between the various conditions and their potential symptoms.