CINE MRI Headache??????

Got a call from Duke today to schedule my CINE MRI (I think that's what they are doing...).  It's with contrast to check csf flow and pressure.  They said something about recovery time of 3 hours or so and a headache...How bad is the headache?  Is it any worse than the usual (ugh) Chiari headaches?

[selmaS]

Hi ...

I did not have a HA from a CINE HA either.....and it may be  from the contrast...I have heard of some places that do LP's for checking CSF flow and then u could have a HA afterward.....

A CINE MRI is used to look for a obstruction in CSF flow....and overcrowding.....

If they r looking for a leak, they look at the pressure of CSF by doing a LP..which can help determine a leak.....

I would seem to think u r getting the LP since u have had surgery already....they have to look at the pressure....JMHO

"selma"


"selma"

[pamk5]

I dont recall having a headache after mine.  I guess it may be a possible side effect of the contrast but mine wasnt any worse than usual.  I had mild sedation because of the time spent in the machine and being a little claustrophic.  I also dont remember having any recovery time?  The only real diff between this and a regular MRI is that they inject dye in your vein and place a monitor on your finger to see your heart beat.  What doc are you seeing at Duke?  

[Abbydabby36]

I'm seeing Dr. John Sampson.  Is this the test where if they find a leak, they can do a blood patch?  Glad to hear that the headache isn't too bad or at least, any worse!!!    Thanks!

[selmaS]

Hi ...

I did not have a HA from a CINE HA either.....and it may be  from the contrast...I have heard of some places that do LP's for checking CSF flow and then u could have a HA afterward.....

A CINE MRI is used to look for a obstruction in CSF flow....and overcrowding.....

If they r looking for a leak, they look at the pressure of CSF by doing a LP..which can help determine a leak.....

I would seem to think u r getting the LP since u have had surgery already....they have to look at the pressure....JMHO

"selma"


"selma"

[pamk5]

I have to agree with Selma that it sounds like they are going to do an LP not an MRI and yes if you have a leak they can do a blood patch to try and seal it.

I looked up Dr Sampson, as I am in NC too, and he doesnt mention anything Chiari in his interests.  Looks like mainly he specializes in brain tumors?  Have you seen him before?  Is the the one who did your surgery?  

[Abbydabby36]

At my last MRI, the technician (who's name was Happy...isn't that adorable?  It is her REAL name!), said that there is a lady that works in radiology at our hospital who had Dr. Sampson do her surgery for her Chiari.  She is thrilled with her results.  I looked him up too and didn't see any Chiari related info.  But knowing that this lady used him and was so pleased with the reults, I E Mailed and asked his PA if he did Chiari.  She said absolutely!  Based on all of this, I decided to make an appt with him.  After my first appointment, I am very pleased...he is extremely knowledgable and oh so compassionate!!!  He is NOT the one who did my surgey...I had it done here in Pinehurst at Moore Regional Hospital by Dr. Kee...He says that everything looks better than before (although the last MRI shows a drop from 11 mm (before surgery) to 17.8 mm (now).) He said that he is at a loss to explain my worsening symptoms and new symptoms.  I felt as though he was trying to brush me off!  By the way...I have to report that I have a had a good two days this week so far...Wow...almost feel normal!

[Abbydabby36]

HI SELMA!!!  They said they will be looking for a leak, so an LP is probably the test!  You do get a headache with this, don't you?  UGH...You know how we Chairians feel about headaches!  Will it be worse than the usual headache we get?  Will I be able to drive myself home after an LP?  

[selmaS]

...only if u get up too fast, and do too much afterward...rest and u should be ok...also, drink plenty of water...keep hydrated.

The leak HA is worse than a chiari HA...and is also positional...u usually feel better lying down....if u do not get up right away once u r done and get home and rest u may be ok, but u may want to ask someone to drive....just in case.

Keep us posted : )

"selma"

[pamk5]

I hate the brush off when they dont know what to do next.  Seems like these docs could just say I dont know and refer you on instead of making you feel as though you are a bother. Let me know how things go with this doc. Would be amazing to have another specialist in NC.  I have had an increase in the size of my herniation although I havent had surgery yet.  It has gone from 6mm when first diagnosed to now 11mm I am not sure if it was the way it was measured, it is growing, or a different view.  Congrats!  Good days are what we live for.  

[Braintoobig]

Does anyone know why this gets worse? Just wondering why the herniation increases.

[pamk5]

I think it may be the way it is measured or maybe a different view.  Straining and lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk could worsen symptoms so maybe it can increase the herniation too.  

[selmaS]

Hi...to understand the views...it is easier to imagine ur brain like an inverted pear.....if u slice it in 3rds....and look at the section furthest to the left or right they will be about the same....
but, if u look at the center section it will look longer than either the left or right sided slices...so if a view is from the left or right and then one of the center is viewed it can appear the herniation grew, when in fact it had not...but , the center is the correct measurement.This can also work in reverse...we have had some who thought their herniation shrunk, when the center view was viewed first, and then when reviewed must have looked to the left or right.

If a patient also has tethered cord, this will cause a herniation to grow as it is being pulled down constantly.....and those with an over production of CSF will also push the tonsils down.

ANd as Pam has indicated...straining will affect this as well as making u feel worse.

"selma"

[Abbydabby36]

Selma...I swear...You should have a medical degree!!!  Your knowledge is amazing!  I guess what you've been through has taught you so much!  I am really learning a bunch!

[Abbydabby36]

That is so interesting!!!  I just read Selam's comment and yours...Didn't realize that a lot depends on mow the MRI is viewed!  So, if the R and L side are within normal limits, but the middle is "herniated", there's a possbility that you're really OK?