Medical Tests

Here is a list of tests your doctor may order to help diagonose
Chiari Malformation or related neurological conditions. Please keep in mind that most these tests are not given to everyone, but possibly ordered due to a specific symptom or complication. Don't hesitate to contact your doctor if you have any questions as their procedure may vary from the information below.

MRI and CINE MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is the most common test used to help physicians diagnose and treat Chiari Malformations. Click here to go to RadiologyInfo.org for an excellent overvue of this procedure. The American Syringomyelia Alliance Project (ASAP) has information about CINE MRI on their website: here.

CT Scan
Computerized Tomography combines special x-ray equipment with computer programs to produce multiple cross-sectional images of the body. CT scans provide greater clarity and reveal more details than regular x-ray exams. Click here for an excellent overvue of this procedure on Mayo Clinic's website.

Invasive Cervical Traction
You can find a detailed description of this test on Chiari Connection International's website under the Question and Answers/General Information tab. A printable version can also be found by clicking here.

Kriss, a brave blogger who had surgery at TCI in May, 2005 and Tethered Cord surgery in January 2007, has posted some very detailed photos and thoughts about her cervical traction testing on her website.

Lumbar Puncture
ChiariOne.org has a short article titled Spinal Taps and Chiari describing the procedure, risks and what to expect after the test.

WebMD.com has a more detailed description of a lumbar puncture procedure on their website here.

Urodynamic Testing
If you are being screened for tethered spinal cord surgery, you may have to undergo urodynamic testing to measure the pressure in your bladder.

A Michigan nurse who recently underwent urodynamic testing gave me permission to share her experience with you:

I know a lot of people want to know what the urodynamic test is like. Maybe they do it different at other places, but I just had the urodynamics test on Thursday. These were the steps:
- Arrive with a full bladder.
- Undress from the waist down.
- Void into a sensored basin under a potty chair shaped table, this basin monitored the amount and flow velocity.
- The bed is laid flat-a small tube is placed into the bladder to collect residual urine, if that doesn't work a catheter is used and removed.
- Another catheter with small electrodes in it is inserted.
- An anal or vaginal tiny electrode is inserted.
- Stick on electrodes are placed on the buttocks and inner thigh.
- Everything is taped down and the table is put into the potty chair position-the bladder is filled with saline.
- First feeling of urge to urinate is noted.
- Strong urge to urinate is noted.
- Feeling of maximum capacity is noted.
- Bear down and cough at maximum capacity to check for leakage.
- Void again into the monitored basin.
- Everything removed and on your way!
Catheterization hurts me going in and coming out, it may not hurt everyone. I didn't love it but it was bearable. The PA was professional and I requested a female. They gave me a cover up sheet during the test and when I was asked to void (2 times) - they left the room. They also have numbing gel for the catheterization. I also had to have a consultation with a urologist before he ordered the test.

You can also find a printable copy of Urodynamic Testing instructions for patients from SUNY University Hospital by clicking here.

Neuropsychological Evaluation
Click here to download an educational pamphlet brought to you by the Public Interest Advisory Committee, Division 40 (Clinical Neuropsychology), American Psychological Association.

Sleep Study
Many people with Chiari have a difficult time getting a good nights sleep. A sleep study can help rule out problems such as sleep apenea or restless legs syndrome. To learn more about what goes on in a sleep lab, click here to read an article by the National Sleep Foundation.

Tilt Table Test
If you are suffering from unexplained fainting or severe lightheadedness, your doctor may order a tilt table test evaluate your body's cardiovascular response to changes in position. For an excellent description of this test by Mayo Clinic neurologist Jerry Swanson, M.D. , click here.