Chiari Malformation

A healthcare provider will diagnose a Chiari malformation after a complete physical exam. Your provider will test your movement, balance and the sensations in your hands and feet. In addition, they’ll look for memory problems, learning challenges and developmental delays among children.

To confirm a diagnosis, a healthcare provider will order imaging tests to see a detailed image of your brain and spinal cord. Imaging tests may include:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This imaging test can show soft tissues and bones. It helps your healthcare provider see your brain, spinal cord and cerebrospinal fluid. MRI can show the extent that the cerebellum extends into your spinal canal.
Cine MRI: This test is similar to a traditional MRI, but it allows your doctor to see the flow pattern of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) around the base of your skull.
Computed tomography (CT): A CT scan helps detect problems in bones at the base of your skull and spinal column.
X-ray: X-rays check for bone abnormalities in your skull and neck.

Sometimes, Chiari malformations appear on prenatal ultrasounds before a fetus is born. An ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to produce pictures of soft tissues.

If you don’t experience symptoms of a Chiari malformation, you might receive this diagnosis if you get imaging tests for another unrelated reason.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.