NY
A 28-year-old female asked:
I had a brain mri stating cerebral tonsils terminating 5mm below foramen magnum. c spine mri says no chiari malformation. is it chiari or not?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Michael Gaboranswered
Diagnostic Radiology 35 years experience
5mm: is a borderline measurement. There is some variability between investigators regarding the precise range of normal. In the abscence of any other findings, most authors would consider 5mm at the upper limit of normal. Some would term this "benign tonsillar ectopia", an incidental and asymptomatic finding. Some would consider 5mm indeterminate.As an isolated finding, it is not diagnostic of chiari
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
523 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Nov 28, 2017
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.