Arnold-Chiari malformation physical examination

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Fahimeh Shojaei, M.D.

Patients with Arnold Chiari malformation usually appear normal. Physical examination of patients with Arnold Chiari malformation is usually remarkable for impaired coordination, sensory/ motor deficit, abnormal gait, nystagmus, scoliosis, and autonomic dysfunction.

• Patients with Arnold-Chiari malformation usually appear.^[1][2][3]

• Tachycardia
• bradypnea
• High blood pressure

• Skin examination of patients with Arnold Chiari malformation is usually normal.

• Impaired gag reflex

• Neck examination of patients with Arnold Chiari malformation is usually normal.

• Pulmonary examination of patients with Arnold Chiari malformation is usually normal.

• Cardiovascular examination of patients with Arnold Chiari malformation is usually normal.

• Abdominal examination of patients with Arnold Chiari malformation is usually normal.

• Scoliosis

• Genitourinary examination of patients with Arnold Chiari malformation is usually normal.

• Muscle rigidity
• Proximal/distal muscle weakness unilaterally/bilaterally
• Unilateral/bilateral upper/lower extremity weakness
• Unilateral/bilateral sensory loss in the upper/lower extremity
• Abnormal gait
• Unilateral/bilateral tremor
• Dysmetria

• Muscle atrophy
• Gait/ balance problem
• Impaired coordination

• Nystagmus (irregular eye movements) may be present.
• Pupillary dilatation

• Impaired gag reflex
• Impaired coordination

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