Is a ct scanner good enough to spot a tia in the cerebellum or brain stem area. 2 vertigo attacks recently have prompted er docs to check for tia. have history of chiari malformation. ?

No: MRI is needed to look at cerebellum and brain stem.

Better to use MRI: MRI may give a more detailed picture Also have a consultation with neurologist or neurosurgeon to determine if the chiari malformation may be the cause.

Not really: the CT is known to be limited in its ability to image the cerebellum and brain stem. The bones at the base of the skull produce an artifact that can obscure pathology. MRI is better suited to image the posterior fossa and brainstem

My views: I would not use a CAT scan to search for small areas of ischemia associated with TIA's, as resolution would be far better using an MRI. Also, a vertigo attack can be due to multiple causes, including inner ear pathology. Would you be better off seeing an otolaryngologist?

No: A TIA by definition has normal imaging and is not seen on CT or MRI. A CVA (stroke), however, of the cerebellum or brain stem is better visualized on an MRI. There are other causes for vertigo as well and you should seek an evaluation by your provider if the ER visits did not find a cause.