Brain MRI shows 3mm tonsillar ectopia, what does this mean?

[Dozer1018]

I have had two MRI's in the past 4 months for chronic migraines and neck issues. The first one was  for the cervical spine, which revealed two bulging discs, stenosis, and possible CSF leak. The dr. diagnosed me with Arachnoiditis and ordered and brain MRI. This revealed a 3mm tonsillar ectopia, with flow void present. My symptoms have been ongoing for at least 5 years and getting worse. They include: Migraines, dizziness, vertigo, chronic nausea, balance issues and severe constant ringing in left ear. I have lost count on how many doctors have shrugged off all my symptoms until NOW. I guess my question is what can I expect from here? What would possibly give me relief for at least some of the symptoms? I am supposed to start a new job in 2 weeks and I am at a loss at how I will handle going back to work with constant headaches and nausea. Help??

[selmaS]

Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

My first thought is what happened 5 years ago prior to the start of your headaches and symptoms? A car accident, a fall? Something must have triggered them...and with the disk issues and a possible CSF leak....I would start there to see if the disks are causing the leak.....not sure what can be done in two weeks time though....