Question About a CSF Flow Study

[Mannas]

So I am supposed to go tomorrow for a CSF flow study.  From what I understand (I think), this will help to show if there is a blockage in the flow of CSF.  I was wondering something though.  I have not had as many headaches in the last few days and most of my symptoms have died down a bit.  Do the symptoms occur only when the CSF flow is obstructed?  Or is the obstruction always there?  I was just wondering if I go and am not having symptoms would that show a different result than if it was worse that day or will it even make a difference....or should I even worry about it?  :)  I just want to make sure everything is correct, whatever that may be.

[selmaS]

  Sorry...I didn't mean to confuse...but many drs look at the size of the herniation and not all the other issues that can be the root of the pain and issues.

The odontoid bone can be retroflexed...turned and pointed in the wrong direction and pressing into the brain stem....so this can be more of an issue than if u had a herniation that was 11 mm in length and thin....the long herniations r not always the ones that cause an obstruction.....picture a funnel with shoestring licorice hanging thru the tube....there is still room for liquid to get thru....but put a gum drop in there and it will cork it up.


I hope that helps : )

[Mannas]

Thank you all I appreciate it.  That link was very useful.  Thanks Ray!  

I am looking at it now trying to see what I can tell but this doesn't look as clear to me as the regular MRI.  

Selma you had me until here:


Ans it is just as important that they look at the odontoid to see if it is retroflexed.......this in itself can cause more issues than a 11mm thin herniation.....


At that point I was lost.  :)

[selmaS]

  Hi...Ray is right...and to add to that some do have an increase of CSF obstruction during "bad" days as a result of inflammation...so if the inflammation is less u will have more flow than on a "bad" day.....so it is possible that the results can be affected if u have a chiari 0.....or a herniation that changes with inflammation.Most times the inflammation indicates meningitis....and not the flares of chiari...so if someone has acquired chiari or another issue going on it is possible that a good day may give u a good CINE result....but if u have a true congenital chiari that is not likely.

  Ans it is just as important that they look at the odontoid to see if it is retroflexed.......this in itself can cause more issues than a 11mm thin herniation.....

   "selma"

[rod44]

The obstruction is usually caused by things like Chiari Malformation, tumors or other lesions and they do not go away. The Dr's will suspect a blockage, This would have been established from other MRI's. A CSF study looks to see how where and much of an obstruction you have.
Here is more info on the Study.

http://www.sikermedical.com/services/mri/mri_csf_flow/

Why our symptoms wax and wane is one of the many mystery's around CM :)


Ray  

[niki3350]

Excellent question I have often wondered this myself, as I no when I had mine done I was having a run of a few good weeks!!!!!

Will be interested to see the response to this.

Niki x x