Can Chiari 1 cause this?

[Sharon21476]

I am newly diagnosed with CM.  Due to many symptoms, I finally obtained an mri which says I have an 11mm herniation, however, I do not believe (or do not know yet) that it is causing any CSF problems or other complications.  I had a c spine mri a couple days later and I just got the results.  My internal med doc that ordered the mri and referred me to a NS will probably call me back today to discuss.  I now have an appt. with 3 different NS's from 3 different University Hospitals.  Can't have too many opinions ;)

Here is my question...my C spine mri report says that there are no abnormalities of the craniocervical junction so I am assuming that means that my herniation is not leaning on my spine or anything but I have damage in every disk (desiccation of the intervertebral disk...googled and that is basically the drying out of my disks)  This is in every one of them in my c spine?  Also I have left sided foraminal stenosis at the c5 - c6 level.  Now does anyone know if a Chiari can cause spine damage like this because I have never been in an accident (car or otherwise) and I have never even played sports or anything as a kid?  I have no idea how this much damage could have taken place in my neck?

Any guidance would be appreciated?
Sharon

[Sharon21476]

Thank you all for your comments!  

Shane99 : They did the c spine MRI looking for a syrinx but not the entire spine so I am not sure.  As of right now the c spine is clear of one.

Hursty48:  strange that we have degeneration of the same area...hmmmm....also to all of you, it is strange that we all have spine issues.  

selmaS:  thank you for your input and good to hear from you again!

rozia:  I called my insurance to find out about the "3 Opinions" for treatment options and I can only go to the 3rd if the first two differ in opinion.  I am going to the three best University Hospitals in my area.  As far as "specialists" I don't believe they are no.  Upon looking into some of the CM and SM foundations, there are no "specialist" in pa except Pittsburgh and I am a single mom of a 4 year old and not able to do traveling like that.  The TCI in NY is where I wanted to go but of course they are out of network.  I did however find out before making my appts. that all three of these doctors have done a good amount of surgeries for CM.  One came recommended from one of the CM/SM foundations and the other has brought a family friend through and anyurism (sp?), 10 strokes and now a CM and she is doing well so he comes recommended as well.

Thank you all for your input!!!!

[rozia]

Dr Ghassan K Bejjani
Greater Pittsburgh Neurosurgical Associates-UPMC
Aiken Professional building, Suite 311
532 South Aiken Avenue
Pittsburgh PA, 15232
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
http://www.neurosurgery-web.com/

[rozia]

3 different NS is good but the question to ask , are they experts in Chiari . There is really only one expert in PA . i WILL be back with his name .

[selmaS]

Hi, I was also dx'd with cervical spinal stinosis and I have herniated and bulging disks.

My chiari herniation is 6mm....and I also have tethered cord. I also had whip lash that caused alot of neck issues.

Since so many of us have several of the conditions IMHO would say there r related but not caused by chiari.

"selma"

[Hursty48]

Hi there
I dont know about the Chiari causing you spinal probs. My MRI also said there doesnt seem to be any problem in my spine directly related to the chiari BUT I have degeneration of c5 - c6. These 2 seem to always be poking their heads up on posts here.
So is it like Shane says - sorty of related issues - or is it lesser known symptoms?
Maybe one day they will be able to tell us.

[Shane99]

Chiari is a neurologically based malformation. It's common to have other neurological issues alongside it, like spina bifida, degerative disk desease, etc.

It's possible that you simply have other (sorty of related) issues with your spine and nerves.

I do! :)

An 11mm herniation is pretty good sized. At that level, I'd be surprised if you don't have a syrinx anyway.