MRI question

[Matts_momma31]

I was in a car accident in September. I recently was sent for an MRI of the cervical spine w/out contrast.
This is what the report said, but my chiropractor wants me to see my MD because he really didnt understand it enough to explain it to me, I am flipping out of my mind..

This is what it said.
"There is an approximately 5 mm downward herniation of the cerebellar tonsil in themidline with breaking of the cerebellar tonsil. This is within normal limits, however, the breaking of the cerebellar tonsil is slightly worrisome. The best visualized in sagital t1-weighted imaging sequence."

I have to wait til tomorrow to get answers and I just cant wait...Im worried

[Dr Sharma]

Hi there. This MRI finding is of Chiari 1 malformation, which is caused by displacement of the cerebellar tonsils below the level of foramen magnum. Associated with the Chiari malformation are hydrocephalus, spina bifida, and syringomyelia. Usual presentation is dizziness and headaches. a displacement of greater than 5 mm below the foramen magnum is considered significant. Hope this helps. Take care.

[skheavner]

What you have is a Chiari Malformation.  It means that your cerebellum is below where it is in most people.  A 5mm herniation is very small, but many believe that you can have symptoms with small herniations.   Are you having any symptoms? I have the same thing but I had a 11mm herniation and had brain surgery which really didn't fix anything.  The breaking thing is probably just the technicians reading, as many who haven't seen this don't know what to think of it.  If you are having any cerebellum deterioration, you would notice.  It effects things like balance - I used to fall over constantly and I am still dizzy all the time, speech, controlling your bladder and bowel movements etc.  Good Luck and if you have anymore questions please ask!  I have been dealing with this for years and there is also a Chiari community on this site.  Good Luck!