The one and only test

[taylapj]

What would you say the one test is that will tell for sure if it is the chairi causing your symptoms?? I've had MRI which has showed up spine problems, but after reading back through posts it looks like scoliosis and disc bulges are quite common with people who have chairi.

[selmaS]

HI Lisa, so sorry to hear...I think we all had an experience with an insurance company's desk jockey.....

It is frustrating to say the least and u r  right, if it were their family member they would get their test.

"selma"

[LisaM46]

Bummer for me.  My insurance company just denied my CINE MRI - calling it experimental and unnecessary.  My NS is recommending surgery, and I know he's still trying to "work behind the scenes" to try to make the scan happen for me.

I hate insurance companies.  Desk jockeys.  This guy has probably never even heard of Chiari.  But, I'm sure if it were his wife, mother or daughter,  they'd have their scan.

I just want to get scheduled in so I can get on with my life.

Lisa

[WarriorMomma]

CINE MRI

[selmaS]

Hi....I would have to agree, the CINE MRI but it is not the one test and is usually done once chiari is found on a brain MRI....

We r complex like jpurple says, and several tests r needed to determine how chiari is affecting u.

The right drs is also key here, some will not do additional testing as they feel the chiari is an incidental finding.....so, with the right drs u will get the proper testing.

"selma"

[jpurple]

I think we are too complex to stick to just one test, but i think need to start with mri head to start the ball rolling and see the herniation and also rule out other intracranial pathology that could cause symptoms similar to ours.  Then come the other tests which we need too.  We are a complex bunch :)

[rod44]

Because CM is congenital it is possible that other spinal problems especially in the cervical area are due to the malformation.
A CSF obstruction and overcrowding are usually a good indicator of problems.  A CINE MRI will show any blockage but I guess it is hard to say 100% that CM is the cause of all your symptoms if you have other issues with similar symptoms....

Ray