Herniation but not Chiari?

[Lemonade123]

Hello - I've recently had a brain and cervical MRI due to an ongoing headache. From my research, the nature of my headache seems different to that of Chiari malformation (only one sided, not pressurized headache). I don't really have other Chiari symthoms.

The first neurologist ordered a brain MRI, and the radiologist suggested my cerebellar tonsils project about 5mm below foramen magnum, consistent with Chiari I. I seek second opinion from a neurosurgeon. He said there's herniation but there's a lot of space and it's not blocking anything. So there's nothing for me to worry at this point.

After that, I seek third opinion from a Chiari specialist. He ordered a cervical MRI, and based on the result, he thinks I don't have Chiari. It could possibly be that non-specialized doctors are not familiar with it.

Does that mean I probably don't have Chiari and there's nothing for me to worry about? Can you have herniation but no Chiari. Thank you for all your response.

[selmaS]

Yes, you can have low lying tonsils due to a head or neck trauma...the symptoms are similar to Chiari....Chiari is the malformation of the skull....not the size of herniation and you are correct non-specialized Drs are not well informed or experienced with Chiari OR any of the related conditions that tend to join in the party so to speak.

It does not mean there is nothing to worry about....George Clooney had an accident filming Siriana and developed low lying tonsils and his condition continued to worsen to the point he considered suicide.....he had the decompression surgery....I am not aware of what lasting effects he has had but he did not have congenital Chiari.