chiari malformation and tethered cord

[DAWGS]

How do you know if you have Chiari related symptoms or tethered cord? The symptoms seem similar. I had a spinal tap in Sept of 08 to check for MS symptoms (which of course came out negative - they always think chiari is MS). But this is when I started developing the headaches.

I had neuro symptoms for years - imbalance, ear pressure, tingling in extremities, slurred speech

But the headaches were non-existent until after the tap - I had a blood patch done thinking this was a csf leak - but that did no good - and was ruled out by a csf leak specialist in LA. So chiari is what I am left with...

Here is the jist of my questions:

1. does anyone know if a spinal tap could cause a tethered cord (I couldn't find any info at all on google)

2. Are tethered cords often/or rarely shown up on an MRI

Thanks so much

[selmaS]

  Hi Karen...I did reply to ur other post, but it can be tethered cord if u have many of these issues.....lower back, bladder and bowel issues,

in addition to the chiari herniation...it is possible with a smaller herniation that TC can be the culprit, but it is not always the case.

When they do a MRI of ur Brain and cervical spine they would notice ur brain  stem is enlarged...so it is a hint that this is a possibility, and many with TC also have other tell tale signs like a sacral dimple or a hairy patch on the lower back along the spine....also a cyst is noted in the lumbar MRI many times b4 TC is seen.

I know from the many times we have chatted the last few yrs, that u have had many diff dx's....and once again I must stress if u have a chiari dx u must find a true chiari specialist to get help.

[skeetelmore65]

Hello SelmaS,
It must be fate that I found this...I think. I do have a CM, but it is only 6.5mm, so they never have questioned this, until now. I have been going through a terrble time with Addison's and suffering these horrible neurological symptoms along with it. I have felt like I have been dying almost.
I wondered if there was a possibility that I could have a tethered cord? I would much rather rule that out first now, since u mentioned that the symptoms wouldn't change. Please tell me that it wouldn't have helped u to have had that done first. Since, I know that u had the surgery for CM, but didn't know whether u had TC.
When u said this..."If ur CM is herniated only  a small amount with out much overcrowding or ne CSF blockage then TC would be the culprit if u had legs weakness and bladder issues along with lower back pains."
It made me think Selma that THIS is what is wrong with me, for I can't stand longer than 5 min. or my back will feel like it is on FIRE!! Is it because the pain is so strong due to a tethered cord or is it the T8-T11 disk herniations with Hypertrophy...or the CM?.~sigh~ I usually lean up against something fast...and that usually gives me some relief, until I can get to the bed.
I am so scared Selma. I have got to get well, for this is 6yrs. of misery that I have felt and others have had to take care of me...and worry..I am the only one my mom and dad had and they are in their 70's now...and I am still getting took care of by them. I need to be the one taking care of them. They are both getting to where, they are not doing to well and I have got to get well,  so I can watch after them.
Do u know that they found that I had this CM, back in '06, but even after me complaining from the pain and thought it could be from my surgery( C5-C6 spinal diskectomy), but I had been progressively getting worse, for so long but, they never mentioned that the CM or the VA that was found could in any way, be the problem. I don't understand, why wouldn't they want to find my pain, instead of just dropping me, as a patient. I never threatened them in any way, but was only in so much pain everytime, I saw them...so I don't get it. It looks like to me, they would want to help me. No, they just dropped me and the NS withdrew from being my Doc. Can they do that after doing sugery on u?
I wish u the best Selma and I left u a message too, I think. Don't ask me, if I am sure @ that...with this crazy memory that I have these days, but seem to remember writing something.
I sure hope that u r doing great now...and hopefully, one day...I will too. Take care and God Bless always.:))<3 Karen

[selmaS]

Hi....

How do u know which condition ur symptoms r from  CM or TC?....it is very diff and a dr will ***** which he feels is the one affecting u the most.

If ur CM is herniated only  a small amount with out much overcrowding or ne CSF blockage then TC would be the culprit if u had legs weakness and bladder issues along with lower back pains.

If u have sever overcrowding and a CSF blockage then the dr may look at CM as the problem....and it could be u need to have both done.

Some that had the TC release first actually had the CM herniation shrink! And those that had the CM first may continue to have chiari symptoms as the TC does not allow the herniation to retract fully.(so u still have chiari herniation)...and u will still have chiari symptoms.


Can a spinal tap /lumbar puncture cause TC?

I am not sure about that as it sounds feasible to me in that improper placement of the needle could cause scar tissue?...I am not sure.....


TC often or rarely show on MRI.....well many times u hear the term occulta TC , occulta means hidden and it may be diff to find on a MRI so the drs may have symptoms only  to go on to see if there indeed is a TC....I would say they rarely show on MRI.

These r all my own HO's from research done for my own TC and what I learned from my dr.

"selma"