Hi all-
I have my appointment with a neurologist this Thursday. Any suggestions/advice on questions or info I should give my dr? It's so difficult to get in to see him - I don't want to miss something! I appreciate any advice! Thanks!
Hi THere!!
I highly suggest that you bring someone along with you..another set of ears is so helpful.
Also, I brought a lengthy list of all my Sx's with me..unfortunately, all the NL I saw were ill informed concerning Chiari..so if this happens to you on Thursday...do not be too upset....too bad, it appears to be the norm with NL's....
Have you seen a NS yet???? Also, have you had a CINE MRI? This test is to see how your Cerebral Spinal Fluid is flowing....very important test to have..just my 2 cents.
When you see the NL I would bring a pad and pen and jot down things he says about your condition, ect....I say this b/c if you are anything like me...I get nervous and forget what the doc even said...another reason, in my opinion to have someone go in with you.
Pls let us know how it goes.....There are some wonderful NL's out there...that are well versed in Chiari.....Hopefully you got one of them!!!
Peace,
Lori
Thank you for the advice! I'm worried that my symptoms will not be taken seriously since I have not had an official MRI. I'm an MRI tech and we found my chiari while doing a test scan. This is not something I can bring forward to my Dr. My sister also has chiari.....I want to share that with my NL.
Since you are a tech, see if you can get the results of the radiologist report before the appointment. If the radiologist did not measure the level of herniation, make shue that he or she does before your appointment. Once you have the level of herniation, you will have more of a rock to stand on with the NL. Also, take a copy of the scan to the appointment. The NL will not necessarily know how to measure the herniation. From what I remember from your MRI scan, it is going to be a close call. If you measure close to 5mm, as the NL to order a cine flow MRI and put your head slighttly into extension while getting the scan. You were pretty neurtral suring your "test scan". I have tried to attach an article that might be helpful. Let us know how things unfold. Good luck.
476-Chiari3to5.pdf (947 KB)Since you are a tech, see if you can get the results of the radiologist report before the appointment. If the radiologist did not measure the level of herniation, make shue that he or she does before your appointment. Once you have the level of herniation, you will have more of a rock to stand on with the NL. Also, take a copy of the scan to the appointment. The NL will not necessarily know how to measure the herniation. From what I remember from your MRI scan, it is going to be a close call. If you measure close to 5mm, as the NL to order a cine flow MRI and put your head slighttly into extension while getting the scan. You were pretty neurtral suring your "test scan". If you friend me with your email address, I will send you an article that you may find helpful. Let us know how things unfold. Good luck.
My MR scan was read as normal. Apparently my daily headaches and neck pain are all in my head.
i am in the same boat...i've read many Chiarian's stories and saw a couple video stories of patients who actually had several mir's read as normal. That doesn't mean anything. That is why you need a Specialist to read your mri's...Chiari specialist. Several of the websites found if you google Chiari Malformation Type 1, show and tell you that most radiologists read them as normal unless they are over 5mm herniated. Dont give up. I've been told everything under sun is causing my symptoms...everything but Chiari...cuz that would mean I'm just crazy, stressed or depressed. Good luck and God Bless.
nmp5284 said:
My MR scan was read as normal. Apparently my daily headaches and neck pain are all in my head.