Chiari Malformation

Chiari malformation

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Diagnosis

During your child's visit, our doctors and other health professionals will evaluate your child to provide a precise diagnosis. Our staff will ask you about your child's medical history, as well as your family medical history. If your child's pediatrician has sent any medical records, we will review this information. Be sure to tell your child's neurologist about any medications your child is using, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements or herbal remedies. Our doctors will evaluate your child's nervous system, and look for symptoms of Chiari malformation. We also will rule out other conditions that might be causing problems.

Your child's evaluation probably will include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which makes images of the brain using a magnetic field and radio waves instead of X-rays, as well as other imaging techniques to produce a detailed picture of the brain and spinal cord. Other tests may be conducted to measure possible impaired coordination. Sensory loss or other physical problems also may be assessed.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated August 15, 2007