Can I good Chiari Doctor see a tethered cord in MRI

I have chiari symptoms and tethered cord symptoms (minus the bladder involvement). But I do have burning in feet (worse when sitting) - pain in my back (burning) - sometimes numbness in my buttocks - lightning feeling down my legs - burning in my shins - Do these sound chiari or tethered cord related?

I do have a chiari of 5 mm but my lumbar spine both showed normal positioning of the conus. Between L1 - L2...both times. I have sent my films to Dr. oro, Dr. Di and Dr. ellenbogen - would they be able to see what a "normal" radiologist would not? Or do they just "go in there" surgically based off symptoms and see if that is the problem or not? I'm kind of confused - how do you do a surgery if you can't see the tether (i.e. - occult filum terminale)...any takers???? I could use the help - thanks!

[selmaS]

Hi...most times those with a tethered cord will have a conus ending further down...so it is longer than normal...and no not all tethered cord appear on an MRI...and is y there r often referred to as occulta tethered cord...occulta means hidden....the location the conus ends help determine if they may go in,....but with out some of those indicators including the sacral dimple...they will not...unless u have no bladder control at all.

Chiari can affect the bladder as well...so this is why all these areas should be looked at in the beginning....but ur symptoms may be more chiari or even a syrinx is developing....

"selma"

[DAWGS]

Thanks Selma - very insightful...as usual :)
I don't think I have a syrinx...I had a full spine mri in march and it showed no syrinx...but perhaps! I do hope Dr. Di will do a new CINE MRI

[selmaS]

Glad u do not have a syrinx, avoiding one is y they do the PFD most times...it is the blockage that can cause one to form, so if u have a blockage and no syrinx and many symptoms, the dr may advise surgery to avoid one.

I pray he does too : )
"selma"