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[Harlegal]

So, I guess there isn't a doctor out there for me.  Diagnosed by MRI in 1999 with 5mm herniation.  Two newer MRI's years later made no mention of it.  When I questioned one of the radiologist about this, I was told, that while they see the herniation, they would not call it Chiari Malformation and they also saw it at 4 mm.  This newer MRI also does show a possible syrnx.  Neurologist stated,  he would not call it Chiari Malformation at either 4 or 5 mm but starting at 8mm.  Also, that a syrnx would need to be more in the neck to go along with Chiari Malformation, not where mine is located.  Trying to find a Neurologist that believes in Chiari Malformation at 5 mm.  Another one today I contacted said again, he would only consider it Chiari Malformation at 8mm.  Normal physicians tell me I need a Neurologist & do not want to deal with it, yet there doesn't seem to be a Neurologist in the Akron/Cleveland area that believes Chari Malformation can be symptomatic at 5mm.  Nor, does there seem to be a MRI place that is mentioning Chiari Malformation at this level on their radiology reports with the exception of Drs. Hill & Thomas, which does mention it at 5 mm.

[selmaS]

  That is where most with Chiari have them is to the rear or back of the head....from what I understand ne obstruction can cause a syrinx to form and y many with obstructed flow have surgery to help prevent the formation and restore flow.....

[Munchies2012]

What if its just restricted in the back of the herniation :/

[selmaS]

  U will most likely develop a syrinx if u have an obstruction...how long it takes to develop may be more on the luck side...as they can grow very slowly or very rapidly...

[Munchies2012]

Even with an obstruction are you guarenteed to geta syrinx? Or is it just luck?

[selmaS]

  It may feel that way and many of us have gotten discouraged by Drs saying similar things...but there are more Drs that are mis informed then those that really understand Chiari.

Chiari can be with a minimal herniation of 2mm...it is not the length of the herniation but if it is creating a CSF obstruction.

And a syrinx can develop newhere in the spine, we have many with Chiari that have had them in the thoracic and lumbar spine as well as in the cervical spine but those not well experienced with Chiari only look in the cervical spine....

I have talked with fellow Chiarians for over 5 yrs now and have found that a syrinx can be ne where in the spine and it is CSF obstruction that will lead a person to have a syrinx and require surgery.

Too many Drs classify Chiari by the herniation and not by the malformation of the skull which is Chiari....and there in lies more of the problem getting help.