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.