Ahmed (name changed to protect privacy), aged 12, often skipped school or left early because of intense headaches. He also experienced neck pain and dizziness, enduring these chronic symptoms for almost two years until a fever led to an accurate diagnosis. Following surgery at a hospital in Dubai, he has regained a new vitality. Dr. Gopalakrishnan CV, a consultant in neurosurgery & spine surgery at Medcare Orthopaedics and Spine Hospital, explained to Khaleej Times that Ahmed's condition was initially attributed to a fever, but an MRI revealed a chiari malformation, a condition where brain tissue protrudes into the spinal canal. This malformation affected Ahmed's attention span, making it hard for him to focus in school. His symptoms, initially minor like frequent headaches and fever, worsened over time, leading to gait ataxia. He underwent decompression surgery, which removed parts of the skull and spine to alleviate pressure. Post-surgery, his condition has notably improved, with reduced headache frequency and intensity. Dr. Gopalakrishnan emphasized the importance of not overlooking children's headaches, as chiari malformation often remains undiagnosed until adulthood. Early detection in this case allowed for timely intervention, significantly improving the quality of life for the young patient.