Headaches and arnold-chiari syndrome: when to suspect and how to investigate
Current Pain and Headache Reports, 05/15/2012
Grazzi L et al. – The signs and symptoms suggestive of its presence and how to arrive a the proper diagnosis.
- Migraine and tension–type headache are common clinical problems, occurring even at a young age.
- When patients report headache as a symptom, it is necessary to exclude a secondary headache induced by an organic disease.
- Proper diagnosis and management of headache depends on a thorough history review and comprehensive clinical examination.
- A Chiari malformation is one organic cause that should not be overlooked.
- A thorough clinical screening is always recommended, including a complete neurological, mental status and physical examination.
- However, when the symptom pattern suggests a Chiari malformation, neuroimaging is warranted to identify correctly the pathologic condition and the most appropriate therapeutic approach.
