I just got my MRI results from my new NS. She ordered a cine MRI and MRI's of both my cervical and thoracic spine. She was out of the office today, but her PA called to quickly go over the results with me. I was able to get a copy of them (which is good because I can't understand them).
I was hoping maybe some of you could help me understand the findings.
Cerebellar tonsils extend into the foramen magnum 9.4 mm. There is crowding of the soft tissues at the foramen magnum. The ventricles are normal in size. Arterial flow voids are maintained. CSF flow studies show mild flow at the anterior aspect of the foramen magnum and miniscule flow posteriorly.
I assume the CSF flow must be fine, because the PA said he didn't think the Dr. would want to see me again until next summer.
Any help deciphering/understanding this medical mumbo jumbo would be greatly appreciated!
“Minuscule flow and mild flow” don’t sound fine to me… If that surgeon says your ok I would seek another opinion from a Chiari specialist. My herniation was small, 5mm, and my flow was minimally blocked, but when the surgeon went in I had a lot adhesions, arachnoid webbing, and two lovely and quite large neuromas that I have to live with. All these things are the result if congestion at the foramen magnum and hypertensive flow due to minimall space. I wouldn’t ignore that if I were you, not if your symptomatic. Don’t stop getting answeres till you feel you are fully informed so then YOU can make the decision that’s best for you.
I would assume that the NS will review the mri when she gets back into the office. The call was from her PA. My only major symptom are the headaches every time I do certain things. Thats what initially brought me to the dr. I would really a reason for them and I wonder if this is it.
I guess I will give the NS a few days to call me back. I hope these results will convince her to send my case to another dr in her office that deals with chiari frequently. If not would it be wrong for me to ask her to do that?
Be sure you go to someone who specializes,if not it could take a long time to get this resolved.The reg. NSs usually are not trained to deal with chiari,for so long I went from one Dr.to the other 27yrs.I wish you the best, keep us informed.