Needing help understanding MRI report

[huskerfan71]

I have been having valsalva headaches since July of 2012.  When I finally went to my pcp he ordered an MRI and it showed a 9mm chiari.  He then sent my to a NS who ordered cervical and thorasic MRI's and a CINE MRI.  He has never explained what was on the report, he only told me o follow up in 1 year.

I have gotton a copy of the reports, and this is what they say:

"Cerebellar tonsils extend below the foramen magnum around 9.4mm.  There is crowding of CSF at the foramen magnum, greater posteriorly than anteriorly.  Vertrebal body heights and alignments are maintained.  Mild decreased signal in the cervical disks.  CSF flow studies show mild flow at the anterior aspect of teh foramen magnum and miniscule flow posteriorly.

I have contaced the chiari center in Colorado, but I was hoping some of you could tell me what you think of what the reports say.

Thanks in advance!!

[selmaS]

  Crossing my fingers too...keep us posted on how it all works out.

[huskerfan71]

Ok, that makes sense.  My local Ns didn't seem concerned about what the CINE mri said and just told me he would see me in a year.  I really hope Dr. Oros office calls me after reviewing my reports.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

[selmaS]

Basilar invagination occurs when the top of the C2 vertebrae migrates upward. It can cause the opening in the skull where the spinal cord passes through to the brain (the foramen magnum) to narrow. It also may press on the lower brainstem...a retroflexed Odontoid is in the same area, the odontoid bone holds the skull above the spinal cord....and has a curve to it, with a retro flexed odontoid this curved bone turns and is curved in the wrong direction putting pressure on the brain stem and brain at times.

Now add the cerebral tonsils in this small space and there is hardly room for the CSF to flow....

[huskerfan71]

Thanks for your response.

I have never heard of a retroflexed odontoid....I guess I some research to do.  You said something about a related issue of Bl, what is that?  I thought I was getting a pretty good understanding of Chiari, now I'm not so sure.

I sent my mri reports to the Chiari clinic in Colorado yesterday.  I guess I just wait and see if they call me back and are willing to see me.  I wonder how long it will take for them to get back with me.

Thanks again!

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

First we r not Drs here or medical professionals...so take what we say as only learned thru experience info, not medial experience.

From what I have learned u have a CSF obstruction and I would dare say most likely a retroflexed odontoid as u have mild flow in front (anterior) and minimal flow (posteriorly)...many with Chiari may only have the posterior flow decrease....u have an issue it appears with both....it could just be the way the herniation is as they can wrap around, but it could also indicate u have a related issue of BI as well.

U should be comfortable with the Dr u choose as Dr Oro is a very well respected Chiari NS.

Knowing about ALL related conditions can help if u should be deemed a surgical candidate.