Conus medullaris ?

[dkdean]

Conus: The conus medullaris is dorsally positioned which is a
nonspecific finding and can be normal due to dependent positioning versus
tethering of the cord The conus terminates normally at L1.



Does this mean that it wasn't positioned properly but could be because of how I was laying?  What would a dorsally positioned conus medullaris mean if it's not due to how I was laying?

[*Stormy*]

Yes...lol..wanted to add that I have a manifesto on my computer about 3 pages long...I was too embarrassed to take it with my to appts and then when I finally got to a NS and he found the Chiari...he wanted to see my list and I didn't have it!! I did email it to him...but the moral of the story is...take it with you no matter if you are embarrassed or not!!!

Carolyn

[selmaS]

That is one thing we need to get drs to change, they ask if we have symptoms, but do not describe them in a way that we understand...and many of us have had "symptoms" we thought to be "normal"....so, do look at everything and do not be afraid if ur list is more of a manifesto than a list...lol...we all have books....lol...

Thanks : )

"selma"

[dkdean]

Will do....def the numbness on right side and vision stuff--lots of dizziness....and it seems I keep finding other 'symptoms' I have fall into Chiari as well (I just thought that they were 'normal').  I love how helpful you are!!

[selmaS]

I am sure he is looking at what symptoms u have presently and what is causing them...it is possible that u may have more chiari symptoms  and is y he is addressing that????

And remember, the report is an opinion of a radiologist and the NS (Dr Di) makes his assessment from the films them self.

Keep us posted on this : )
"selma"

[dkdean]

Selma--Yes, it's Dr Di at Cleveland Clinic, so I trust his opinion better than other neuro's (ie the ones I have seen that have told me several times that the cerebellar tonsils are not causing my problems!).  So, he was specifically looking for TC, syrinx, pseudotumor, anything else as a complication.  

Certainly something I will keep in mind and will ask him about at the follow up...I assume if I were to have symptoms, he'd get another MRI and then we'd talk from there.

Love how helpful everyone here is!!!!  Makes this journey not quite so scary!!

[selmaS]

I had a MRI yrs ago that showed I had TC...I wasn't told either...in fact, in pulling out all my old records I found it and then my NS that I went to for the chiari also made mention of it....there r many drs that will not mention something if that isn't what they were looking for......

So if u went to see about HA's and u have TC many don't see a connection and I don't get it bcuz TC is a constant pulling down of ur brainstem....it also can cause u to have more UTI's than most......and IBS issues....and somehow the dots don't get connected.

Sorry, but I can't remember if ur dr was a chiari dr or not....

"selma"

[dkdean]

He didn't feel the findings were notable--at least in mentioning it to me....I think though that since I don't have symptoms of tethered cord and he really goes by symptoms first--then evidence to back it up--that it doesn't make a difference right now.

[*Stormy*]

Yeah, that's interesting...sounds like that's what they were saying to me too. You should definitely ask your NS about the findings

Carolyn

[selmaS]

Have the drs mentioned wanting to look at this again?

[dkdean]

No bladder issues--except when sneezing or coughing....but I thought that was probably due more to being a mom of 2 ;)  Just tip toed and I don't think there is an urge....maybe just something to keep in the back of my mind.

[selmaS]

Hi...to me it appears that they were not sure if it was positional or was due to u possibly having a tethered cord.

DO u have bladder issues?....if u walk on tip toes do u feel like u have to go to the bathroom?

Seems they may want to do another  MRI to rule out this issue.

"selma"