how is chiari diagnosed?

[lovemyjays]

helllo everyone..this is my first time posting here. ive been having symptoms and just wanted to know how chiari is diagnosed. ive had several brain mris and recently had a cervical spine mri and im just waiting on the results. thanks in advance for any responses!

[zygy2]

They are all interesting but I always think the brain is the cool one!  If you look in people's profiles you will see MRI pics and you will get an idea of what you are looking for... or google MRI and Chiari and you will find images to compare to, obviously you are not a Dr. but just in case they miss mentioning something you can help catch it :)  A herniation is pretty simple to see compared to images where the cerebellum isn't stuffed in there :)

[lovemyjays]

Thanks for your response. Which mri would I need to look at? Brain or cervical spine? Thanks again :)

[zygy2]

I would also take a look at the images since you can see Chiari :)  I know an MRI is not a clear picture of how much blockage there is but just seeing how "stuffed" looking things are would help me to ask questions!  Just in case they dismiss it!!! -zygy

[selmaS]

  Ur Dr may not give u copies u may have to call the facility that did the studies....going forward always request copies of all tests and the reports including blood labs.

  The list of symptoms vary from person to person, and they cycle...and it is more of a manifesto then a list.

[lovemyjays]

Thanks for your response. I do not have copies of the reports but I will def ask my dr for them. As far as the cervical spine mri, I should be getting those results this week. My symptoms are dizziness, headaches, pain when touching head or brushing my hair, neck pain, tingling numbness everywhere.. Vision problems, memory problems and the list goes on and on :(

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

U had the proper testing for dxing chiari or a syrinx in the cervical spine....but if u do have chiari there are other tests u should have ...and u will want to educate urself on chiari and related issues and research true chiari specialists.

If u did not receive copies of the MRI's and the reports, call the facility that did the studies and request them so if u need a 2nd or 3rd opinion u can do so and not wait for the info.