I have an appointment w Dr. Menezes in Iowa City!

[geargarage]

Before I could get in to see Dr. Menezes in Iowa City, I had to have a follow-up MRI done, as my previous MRI was over 6 months old. This latest MRI report just came back saying "mild cerebral ectopia" and that it was unchanged from prior MRI (which indicated 4mm CM1 - so it's still the same).

I'm curious why the radiologist would say "mild" in the report? I'm guessing it's due to the degree being <5mm?

I hope Dr. Menezes won't be swayed by the radiologists' report (other than to indicate its existence), but will instead make his own informed decision about my particular case, as I keep hearing that it's not necessarily about the degree of herniation, but more so the extent to which it affects our CSF flow, etc.

Anyone on here that has, or is going to, work with Dr. Menezes? My appointment is 8/21 and I can't wait to finally work with a chiari expert!!!

[geargarage]

Thank you both for your comments! I really am looking forward to meeting him and hearing his thoughts on my situation. I would love nothing more than to be back to the more fun-loving, carefree, laughing girl I used to be. :) And beyond that, to relentlessly help others with this condition!

[selmaS]

  Hi Dr M is one of the top Chiari Drs and is well informed on cervio cranial instability as well....I heard him speak at a conference and found him to be very personable....

And u guessed right, the term mild offends and irritates me to no end, it just is a way for them to classify the length and they do not take into account ur symptoms and they are not looking to see how it may be affecting CSF flow, this is very important as well as looking for related conditions.

I am hopeful that Dr M will help u sort all of this out.
Good Luck and let us know how it goes
: )

[desertstorm2009]

"Mild" seems to be a term used rather loosely to describe ACM. It was said about my daughters, now mine too. It seems to be based as you said more on the size of herniation. Your Dr may change that classification once he views your films and symptoms. Also you can search this site for postings with that Dr's name, and I'm sure you know google and you tube etc... :-) Lisa