Headaches

[AFVeteran]

What does the following mean:

The right cerebellum tonsil extnds 6 mm below the foramen magum.  There is a small focal area of increased T2 signal within the right cerebellum that is not seen on all sequences.

I am a 48 yoa with no prior major head injuries, just the occasional bumps or bangs. MRI/MRA with and without contrast was used.  I get bad headache from left temple around the front to the right temple that last 2-5 minutes when I stand.  The left side of my face is constintly tingling and I have an ever present ringing in my left ear.

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

Sorry about that. Perhaps you could continue other non medical treatments, like physical therapy, till you get to see the doctor.

Regards

[AFVeteran]

Thank-you, sir.  Thing is that the MRI/MRA was taken last Sept and I won't see my VA doctor until this coming July so I was just curious. I'm already rated at 100% disabled and unemployable..

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hi.

In my opinion, this probably will need a surgery. But since I have not examined you clinically, your surgeon is the best person to decide.

Regards

[AFVeteran]

Does this mean I need an operation or is it something not to worry about?

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

The tonsil is a part of cerebellum, which itself is a part of the human brain. What the MRI suggests that the tonsil has escaped out of the skull cavity. The foramen magnum is the opening in the skull from where the brain continues downwards as the spinal cord. Normally, the brain does not come out of the foramen, but sometimes due to increased pressure in the head, the brain tissue is pushed down.

This can be treated. Your symptoms are mostly due to the increased pressure inside the head and the protrusion of the cerebellar tonsil.

Regards