Brain MRI question

Question

Hello.  I had an MRI of brain about 2 years ago after a migraine.  It was with and without contrast.  Would that be the same kind of MRI that would be ordered to evaluate for Chiairi I, or would it be called something other than MRI of brain, such as MRI of entire head?

Thanks.

Jennyfoo · Accepted Answer

My chiari malformation is obvious in both cervical and brain MRI, but the brain one shows serious crowding and CSF flow stoppage back behind the cerebellum, and where the tonsils are. You need both to be able to see crowding and such. We've looked at my MRI scans a million different ways- compared them to ones online of normal brains and chiari patients too. It's so obvious, it makes me want to scream at the neurologist that said chiari wasn't the problem My mother works in the medical profession, has experience reading Xrays and MRI too. I showed her my scans a few weeks ago, and she was ranting, raving, so pissed off that I wasn't gettin the help I need, because it's so obvious on my MRI scans. She was about ready to call and B@#$h out the neuro I saw.  I'm serious.  LOL!  And I' m 33 years old with 4 kids of my own.  It's been really hard for my mom to see me go downhill so fast. I have papilledema(optic nerve swelling) too, and I've been in a 3+ month wait to get anywhere. My 1st appt with a neurosurgeon is Dec 22nd. 

Good luck to you.

n40066 · Answer

couldn't help but chip in here....it's not just with women.  it's anyone who has chiari.  it simply is not recognized by most nl or ns if they are not specialist.  they aren't trained in the field, have basically no knowledge whatsoever of the condition and what they do know is grossly outdated.  it's kind of like you asking if you need an mri of your skull when you have an mri of your brain....you're asking because you didn't know.  the drs. don't ask....they just assume.  biiiiig difference.  the only dumb question, is one that is not asked.  and drs don't ask them.  everyone that has chiari, with very few exceptions, runs into the same problem with a) getting a proper dx b) getting a dr. to admit that chiari is the root cause of their symptoms and c) finding a dr qualified to care for their needs.  it is a long, frustrating and difficult process for the vast majority of us.

That said, i don't believe we've met!  welcome to our family!!  i look forward to getting to know more of you and your journey in the future!
elizabeth

ParrotPal · Answer

Thanks much for the info.  OMG about your situation.  I read a lot of stories about how women (it seems) are not given the proper consideration with these diagnoses.  They are all too often dumped into a psych category of stress, anxiety, hormonal, headaches.  It is just unbelievable to me how each specialist seems only interested in his/her area of specialty - and not interested in connecting the dots at all.

I wish you well at your Dec. 22 appt.  Blessings to you and your family.

Jennyfoo · Answer

Your skull is visible on the brain MRI.

ParrotPal · Answer

Question:  Would I need an MRI of the skull or MRI of the brain?  I was reading something a few minutes ago (unrelated to Chairi) that talked about MRI of skull.  

I have MRI of brain and also MRI of cervical spine, but not MRI of skull.

Does anyone know if there is a diff?

Thanks for the info Selma.

selmaS · Answer

Hi, that as well as a MRI of the cervical spine is done to see chiari.....

I hope this is helpful.

"selma"

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