What is an abnormal cine MRI?

[Danaan]

I'm 53, female, with about a 10 year history of classical migraines. I've had tinnitus and upper back pain for decades. For the last 11 months I've had varying degrees of dizziness and vertigo. (And occasionally feeling like I will black out; and tripping, difficulty swallowing, and now bladder issues.) At the same time I developed a heart arrhythmia (under treatment). Went to an ENT, who besides finding extreme negative pressure in both ears, thought my problems are not ear ones.

I ended up at a neurologist again- normal EEGs but an MRI showing 5mm "low lying" cerebral tonsils. A cine MRI that shows "minimal flow", and "no significant" flow in neutral and varying positions. (I'm trying to include a graphic with my results.)

The neurologist said he had no idea what this MRI result meant, and put me back on seizure meds (Keppra) for migraines. Unfortunately, this med is no help and I am back to extreme vertigo again this week, after about 6 months of relatively benign symptoms.  My questions for the group here are:
1) What range of tests do I need to self-refer to a real Chiari specialist?
2) Do these "minimal flow", and "no significant" flow results mean I might have CSF blockage issues emerging?

Thanks for your help.

Dana

[selmaS]

HI...make sure the NS is a chiari  specialist not just a NS (NS = Neurosurgeon)

The difference is recognition of the condition and getting treatment from a experienced specialist.

U want to be checked for chair i related conditions like syringomyelia, tethered cord, PTC,Ehlers - Danlos syndrome.

U really need to be seen by a true chiari specialist.

Good luck
"selma:"

[Danaan]

Selma & Ray- thanks for the input. I think I will go back to my PCP and see if I can get referred on to a neurosurgeon instead of going back to this neurologist. (We have HMO coverage now, but will have PPO coverage ~next spring when we move to another state.)

Just having had a conversation with my mother where she said- 'just have positive thoughts, conditions like this often get better on their own, just exercise, and we don't have small skulls in our family' comments, it's nice knowing I can come here for real perspective...

Dana

[rod44]

Hi Dana, welcome to the Chiari Comunity...

I agree with selma It does sound like you are having CSF blockage issues,
You will need and should be refereed to a neurosurgeon with experienced of CM. The only treatment is surgery.....a neurologist deals with Nero Medical issues....
As selma suggested talk with your PCP and your nsurance and work from there...

Ray

[selmaS]

Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

It does sound like u r having CSF blockage issues with the terms minimal flow and no significant flow depending on the position u r in.

Do u have a PCP that is willing to help u with these issues?

If so, u may be able to get them do to some more testing...if it is required b4 u go to a chiari specialist.U may want to check ur insurance as to what and where u may go....to a specialist or if u need a referral.

Depending on where u live, u may have a specialist new u.We do have a list of drs that members have been to and suggest u research the options.Keep in mind u may need to travel to get to a specialist.

I hope u find the info and support u need here.

"selma"