Chiari Malformation

Screening

CM does not always produce symptoms. When it does, signs can vary from person to person. The most common symptoms are headaches and pain in the back of your head or neck after sudden coughing, sneezing or straining. 

Other symptoms include:

• Abnormal reflexes
• Balance problems
• Coordination and fine motor skill problems
• Hoarseness or trouble speaking
• Muscle weakness or abnormal movements
• Noisy breathing
• Rapid eye movements
• Scoliosis (abnormal shape of your spine)
• Sleep apnea (interrupted breathing during sleep)
• Tinnitus (ringing in your ears)
• Trouble swallowing
• Vomiting

Diagnosing Chiari Malformation

CM is a serious condition that requires expert care. Symptoms often mimic other conditions, so identifying CM means your care team must rule out other problems. To give you the most accurate diagnosis, our experts will review your symptoms and check your:

• Balance
• Memory
• Motor skills
• Reflexes
• Sensation
• Touch

Your doctor may also recommend one of these tests:

Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential (BAER)

This electrical test determines if the connection between your brain and hearing works properly.

Computed Tomography (CT)

This imaging scan creates multiple detailed or 3D images of your brain and skull to identify hydrocephalus or bone abnormalities.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

We use this radiation-free imaging scan most often to diagnose CM. It creates detailed pictures of your brain, nerves and skull.

Cine MRI

This special MRI reveals the flow of your cerebrospinal fluid over time to detect any potential obstructions.

Myelogram

Your doctor may use contrast dye with an X-ray or CT scan to see problems in your spinal cord.

X-ray

This imaging scan can’t reveal CM, but it can create pictures of your skull to detect any bone abnormalities that often appear with CM.

Chiari Malformation Treatment

We offer comprehensive CM treatment based on your general health, symptoms and the severity of your condition. Your treatment plan may include one or more of the following:

Observation

If you have CM without symptoms, your doctor may choose to monitor you with physical exams and MRIs over time.

Pain Medications

Your doctor may prescribe pain medications to relieve your discomfort.

Sleep Study

If you have sleep apnea, a sleep study can evaluate your sleep patterns and help your doctor recommend additional treatments.

Special MRI

This imaging test can detect any blockages in the flow of your spinal fluid. The results of this scan can help your doctor determine if you need surgery.

Surgery

If you have severe symptoms, a two-hour surgery—called suboccipital craniectomy and duraplasty—is the only treatment option. Your surgeon removes a small part of the base of your skull and opens the fluid sac surrounding the base of your brain. It may also involve removing a small piece of bone at the top of your spine.