Chiari malformation diagnosis

Chiari malformations, also known as Arnold-Chiari anomaly, refer to a medical condition where the cerebellum's lower part (tonsils) moves downwards into the upper part of the spinal canal. As a result, it causes the brain's tissues, vertebral arteries, and cervical spinal cord to become compressed. The doctor carefully reviews the patient's medical history and symptoms and performs specific tests to confirm the diagnosis. For example, a neurologist will check your movements, balance, and sensitivity in your arms and legs. He also checks for memory problems, learning problems, and cognitive delays. The most informative way to diagnose Chiari malformation is through MRI, which can identify specific abnormalities associated with this condition:Detects the displacement of a part of the brain outside the skull. Determine which structures are located outside the posterior cranial fossa. Identify concomitant deviations from the norm in the spinal cord and vertebrae structure. Specify the type of anomaly. Detail the location and size of brain areas suffering from compression. Children might be put into drug-induced sleep to perform MRIs to ensure immobility. Other diagnostic studies (neurological examination, ophthalmoscopy, color duplex scanning of the head and neck vessels) are necessary to determine the degree of functional disorders and treatment planning.