4

How is Arnold Chiari diagnosed?

See how Arnold Chiari is diagnosed. Which specialists are essential to meet, what tests are needed and other useful information for the diagnosis of Arnold Chiari

Arnold Chiari diagnosis

Diagnosis of Arnold Chiari


Arnold Chiari malformation is a structural defect in the brain that affects the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for balance and coordination. It occurs when the lower part of the cerebellum, called the cerebellar tonsils, extends into the spinal canal. This can cause a range of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, difficulty swallowing, and problems with motor skills.


Diagnosing Arnold Chiari can be challenging as its symptoms can be similar to other conditions. However, there are several diagnostic methods that healthcare professionals use to identify and confirm the presence of Arnold Chiari malformation:



1. Medical History and Physical Examination


The first step in diagnosing Arnold Chiari is a thorough medical history and physical examination. The doctor will ask about the patient's symptoms, their duration, and any factors that worsen or alleviate them. They will also perform a neurological examination to assess reflexes, muscle strength, coordination, and sensation.



2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)


Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most important diagnostic tool for Arnold Chiari malformation. It provides detailed images of the brain and spinal cord, allowing doctors to visualize the extent of the malformation. During an MRI, the patient lies inside a large machine that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create cross-sectional images of the brain and spinal cord. The images can reveal the position of the cerebellar tonsils and any associated abnormalities.


MRI is considered the gold standard for diagnosing Arnold Chiari malformation.



3. Computed Tomography (CT) Scan


A computed tomography (CT) scan may be used in some cases to complement the MRI findings. CT scans use X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the brain and spine. While not as sensitive as MRI in detecting Arnold Chiari malformation, CT scans can provide additional information about bone abnormalities or other conditions that may be present.



4. Cine MRI


Cine MRI is a specialized type of MRI that captures real-time images of the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain and spinal cord. It can help determine if there is a blockage or abnormal flow of CSF, which is often associated with Arnold Chiari malformation.



5. Electromyography (EMG)


In some cases, electromyography (EMG) may be performed to assess the function of the muscles and nerves. This test involves inserting small needles into specific muscles to measure their electrical activity. EMG can help identify any muscle weakness or nerve damage that may be contributing to the symptoms.



6. Other Tests


Additional tests may be ordered to rule out other conditions or assess the impact of Arnold Chiari malformation on specific bodily functions. These may include:



  • Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test: Measures the brain's response to sound stimuli to evaluate hearing function.

  • Sleep studies: Assess breathing patterns and sleep quality, as sleep-related breathing disorders are common in individuals with Arnold Chiari malformation.

  • Swallowing studies: Evaluate the ability to swallow and identify any swallowing difficulties.

  • Neuropsychological testing: Assesses cognitive function, memory, and other aspects of brain function.



Conclusion


Diagnosing Arnold Chiari malformation involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and various imaging and diagnostic tests. MRI is the primary tool used to confirm the presence of the malformation and assess its severity. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional if you experience symptoms suggestive of Arnold Chiari malformation, as early diagnosis can lead to appropriate management and treatment.


Diseasemaps
24 answers
MRI

Posted Apr 12, 2017 by Ljdb 2620
Due to severe and sudden onset of symptoms, I was given an MRI and informed that I have Arnold Chiari.

Posted May 10, 2017 by El_Choppo 1250
You need to consult a Chiari specialist Neurosurgeon and it is diagnosed by symptomatology and brain MRI. Specialists who can be helpful are a caring, willing to be informed primary care doctor, a Chiari specialist Neurosurgeon, an immunologist, a gastroenterologist, an endocrinologist, a cardiologist, a geneticist, and a psychologist or therapist. You need a full spine MRI to start with. Then hopefully a tilt table test, a flexion/extension CT and MRI or the new upright craniocervical junction MRI, and an eval either done by the neurosurgeon or a geneticist or sometimes a rhematologist for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. You need to be checked for all common co-morbities in order to weigh your options for surgery and with what surgeon and what needs to be taken into account. Common co-morbidities include Tarlov cyst disease, tethered cord syndrome, autoimmune disease, gastroparesis, syringomyelia, craniocervical instability, cervical medullary syndrome, migraines, mast cell activation disorder, and more.

Posted May 10, 2017 by Aimes 1051
It's typically diagnosed with MRI. Most show with a supine, but some require an upright for proper diagnosis. A neurosurgeon is essential. It would be best to see a chiari specialist for proper treatment. Before you consider surgery, you need a full spine MRI. I would also recommend a sleep study. If you have not been diagnosed with EDS, definitely see a geneticist if you or your doctor suspect it.

Posted May 10, 2017 by Reagan 1100
MRI and symptoms

Posted May 10, 2017 by Kathleen Giffin Bartkus 1000
MRI and CINE Flow study MRI

Posted May 10, 2017 by 1000
Some times by accident via MRI

Posted Jul 23, 2017 by Erena 2000
After and MRI confirms the Chiari.. decompressions usually follow. Unfortunately if this does not bring relief from symptoms, there is not much more that can be done

Posted Aug 30, 2017 by Michelle 2000
the gold standard is an cervical/brain MRI

Posted May 27, 2018 by xyzmike1 3050
it is diagnosed thru a MRI. Neurologist and neurosurgeons. MRI, CT SCANS,

Posted Nov 29, 2019 by TRIPLE-1 CHIARI 2500
Diagnosis usually happens incidentally while is search of other conditions as awareness among medical staff is very low. Diagnostic tool is usually MRI or CT scan

Posted Dec 5, 2019 by Magdalena 1020
Based on your symptoms your doctor should order an MRI of your head, if a CHIARI malformation is found you will need to then have an MRI of your neck and spine, this is to check for other conditions that CHIARI could cause. Once diagnosed you need to be see by a doctor that specializes in Neurology and CHIARI. Depending on the severity it may be recommended that you be seen by a neurosurgeon as well as a neuroptimologist. CHIARI can cause problems with blurry vision.

Posted Jan 11, 2020 by Lorene Crisalli 400
el médico que te diagnostica arnold chiari es un/a neurólogo/a.
la prueba se obtiene mediante una resonancia magnetica, que mayormente se hace por el síntoma mas frecuente: los dolores punzantes en la nuca

Posted Jun 16, 2020 by valen bazan 1200
Translated from spanish Improve translation
The diagnosis is made by mri. The neurologist will be in charge of sending the evidence after having conducted an examination full neurological.

Posted May 17, 2017 by Lynda Estrada 6835
Translated from spanish Improve translation
With nuclear magnetic resonance

Posted Aug 30, 2017 by Candelaria 6560
Translated from spanish Improve translation
Magnetic resonance imaging with or without contrast.

Posted Sep 19, 2017 by Eva María 900
Translated from french Improve translation
Headaches excruciating and my doctor made me have a MRI of the brain and the Chiari was diagnosed.

Posted Sep 30, 2017 by Sandrine 300
Translated from french Improve translation
It is necessary to do an MRI to diagnose the Disease Arnold Chiari.

Posted Oct 1, 2017 by Roosz Elsa 1000
Translated from spanish Improve translation
Should turn to a Neurologist.

With an Mri, Ct scan, X-ray, etc

Posted Nov 2, 2017 by Pochi 2050
Translated from spanish Improve translation
NEUROSURGEON, RSONANCIA MAGNETIC CERVICAL WITH CONTRAST

Posted Nov 2, 2017 by Martin 700
Translated from spanish Improve translation
Por resonancia magnetica

Posted Nov 2, 2017 by Noelia 600
Translated from spanish Improve translation
The only effective way is practicandote efectivauna magnetic resonance!

Posted Nov 3, 2017 by Olga 400
Translated from spanish Improve translation
With a resonance skull cervical. It is as better it looks.

Posted Nov 22, 2017 by Vanesa 1550

Arnold Chiari diagnosis

Arnold Chiari life expectancy

What is the life expectancy of someone with Arnold Chiari?

18 answers
Celebrities with Arnold Chiari

Celebrities with Arnold Chiari

3 answers
Is Arnold Chiari hereditary?

Is Arnold Chiari hereditary?

13 answers
Is Arnold Chiari contagious?

Is Arnold Chiari contagious?

11 answers
Natural treatment of Arnold Chiari

Is there any natural treatment for Arnold Chiari?

9 answers
ICD9 and ICD10 codes of Arnold Chiari

ICD10 code of Arnold Chiari and ICD9 code

9 answers
Living with Arnold Chiari

Living with Arnold Chiari. How to live with Arnold Chiari?

19 answers
Arnold Chiari diet

Arnold Chiari diet. Is there a diet which improves the quality of life of p...

20 answers

World map of Arnold Chiari

Find people with Arnold Chiari through the map. Connect with them and share experiences. Join the Arnold Chiari community.

Stories of Arnold Chiari

ARNOLD CHIARI STORIES
Arnold Chiari stories
Hello! I have Arnold Chiari type 1 and Hydrocephalus(but the new dr. says I only need to have just the internal shunt as of right now),as well as POTS,Kyphosis,vertical nystagmas and a Vit. E and Vit. D deficiency. I was diagnosed in 2009 at age 34 w...
Arnold Chiari stories
MY NAME IS JENNIFER. I'M 39 YEARS OLD AND AM FINALLY IN LOVE AND FEEL LIKE I FOUND SOMEONE I WANT TO SPEND MY LIFE WITH. THE ONLY PROBLEM IS I HAVE CHIARI. I ALSO RECENTLY FOUND I MOST LIKELY HAVE EDS, POTS, MCAS, AND IC. THESE ARE A LOT OF ABBREVIAT...
Arnold Chiari stories
Suffered with extreme stabbing pains, from lau_g_hing, couching and straining - pains that almost knocked me down.  Lips became numb, throat also became numb and my vision in my right eye was failing.  Body aches and pains and shortage of breathe ...
Arnold Chiari stories
Diagnosed in August 2011 surgery October 20th 2011 graguwted highschool June 2015 started college August 2015   LIFE CAN BE NORMAL AFTER SURGERY!!!
Arnold Chiari stories
I started getting extreme headaches when I was in the 9th grade. Of course back then they didn't have the technology like they have now, so on medications was my only support from the doctors.  As I got older those headaches got more worse and the m...

Tell your story and help others

Tell my story

Arnold Chiari forum

ARNOLD CHIARI FORUM

Ask a question and get answers from other users.

Ask a question

Find your symptoms soulmates

From now on you can add your symptoms in diseasemaps and find your symptoms soulmates. Symptoms soulmates are people with similar symptoms to you.

Symptoms soulmates

Add your symptoms and discover your soulmates map

Soulmates map