Hi everyone. I was wondering if anyone knew why they want a mri of my back before I see my neurosurgeon on the 31st of this month. If you get appt with a neurosergeon does that automatically mean they want to do surgery? They called me after my ent specialist sent the neurosurgeon my mri. My cerebellum tonsils extend 12mm. They set up appt for consultation with neurosurgeon. Thanks everyone.
Generally with Chiari they worry that you might have a syrinx as well. This shows up on the MRI of the back.
A syrinx is a fluid-filled sac in the middle of your spinal cord. It can be very thin and short, or big and thick and long. Mine is about the thickness of a pencil lead--2mm, but some people find they take up a lot more space--maybe 1/2" or 3/4" thick, like your pinky finger, and long, extending over several vertebrae.
A syrinx causes its own set of symptoms, irritating and damaging peripheral nerves. The syrinx can also be caused by something called a tethered spinal cord, which requires a different surgery.
So, they want to see if you have a syrinx, and they want to see if you have a tethered spinal cord.
Good luck to you!
thank you, I did ready something about that. It can be confusing.. thank you so much.
WhatsForDinner said:
Generally with Chiari they worry that you might have a syrinx as well. This shows up on the MRI of the back.
A syrinx is a fluid-filled sac in the middle of your spinal cord. It can be very thin and short, or big and thick and long. Mine is about the thickness of a pencil lead--2mm, but some people find they take up a lot more space--maybe 1/2" or 3/4" thick, like your pinky finger, and long, extending over several vertebrae.
A syrinx causes its own set of symptoms, irritating and damaging peripheral nerves. The syrinx can also be caused by something called a tethered spinal cord, which requires a different surgery.
So, they want to see if you have a syrinx, and they want to see if you have a tethered spinal cord.
Good luck to you!
thank you. yeah I have lots of questions for him. I dont have much of a life right now because of all the symptoms. If I dont do much than I dont have the burning in my legs or the little black floaters.
Emmaline said:
Surgery will be up to you and your NS. It depends on your symptoms, severity, and quality of your life.
Your NS wants to have as much info as possible. Good luck!