Thanks Elisaandbucky and SelmaS, is this the list you're referring to:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Chiari-Malformation/CHIARI-DRS-LIST-Australia/show/1314732
No one mentioned Melbourne doctors in that list. I swear living here is like living in Medieval times. However after googling I found a facebook page and a relevant site which I will link for other's convenience should they view this thread:
https://www.************/chiari.syringomyelia.australia
http://www.chiariaustralia.com/where-to-get-help
@ SelmaS, no I don't know yet if I have chiari. I don't get very frequent or severe headaches luckily *knock on wood*. But I have balance issues, tinnitus, occasional tingling sensations and some dysautonomia issues. These issues were there prior to my head / neck trauma but were minor and didn't interfere with life. They got worse after the trauma but have yet to debilitate me. I have seen that dizziness and tinnitus can be caused by basic whiplash, however in my case which I firmly believe is CCI, I am essentially getting whiplash again and again from minor movements, which is why I never get better. My main problem by far atm is neck stiffness, weakness and pain. But I'd like to rule out chiari, since my symptoms could be due to both conditions.
I have found and upright MRI in Melbourne at least: http://baysidestandingmri.com.au/ (again, I'm linking everything here to ensure the public viewing this thread can see).
My understanding is that chiari can ONLY be diagnosed from a standing MRI, is that right? And if so, are all radiographers trained to spot and report chiari? I want to be confident that if I receive an standing MRI, they won't 'miss' a chiari malformation because they aren't trained to spot such things or consider it normal or something.