CSF flow study

[kdagain]

Hi all..
I went yesterday for an MRI CSF flow study to see if the cerebrospinal fluid is indeed makiing it past the chiari.

From my inexperienced eye, it seems to because there looks to be flow above and below but there is an area where it is "void."

What do you know about these tests? It was the first one this technician ever did.. she had seen one once years ago. I am not sure it was done right or that it will be interpreted properly. I got a CD of it tho.

Does the test really help them figure it out?

Thanks

[Keggy]

Our surgeon said he wouldn't rely on a cine alone, and our surgeon is in the top 2% of neurosurgeons in the country.


Soj... is that you?

[Concerned Gal]

I've had a csf flow study and from memory the images were really poor quality i couldn't see how they could see anything from it. I would have thought that a ct myelogram would have been the modality of choice for that kind of purpose.

[kdagain]

Hey Keggy.. it is me.
When SL wouldnt let me in on my old kd and kdagain I re-registered as Soj. :D
hi to you!

[rosied]

Can I ask who is your Dr? and where is he or she located?

[rosied]

I just had a flow study done and mine came back okay so I am wondering where do you go next, what would be the next step?

[Tamara829]

I am new on this board, I just had a cine' flow study.
Here is what it says: Indication: Chiari Malformation.
The cerebellar tonsils are slightly lower in position than expected.
The tonsils are minimally deformed. The appearance is consistant with
a mild Chiari 1 malformation. There is CSF flow anteriorly at the
foramen magnum. Flow is also present posteriorly though flow is more
robust anteriorly. A small syrinx cavity is present within the
cervical cord C4-C5 and C7.
Impression: Mild Chiari 1 malformation with small syrinx in the
cervical cord. Flow is demonstrated at the foramen magnum within the
subarachnoid space preferentially anteriorly.
I got a call from the Neurosurgeons office that said my flow study was normal, and there was no need for surgery. So I fired my neurosurgeon. From what I read, It doesn't sound normal. Also, I have read that many tests must be done to decide whether surgery is needed. Besides, doesn't the fact that I have a syrinx prove that the flow is obstucted somehow. Everyone tells me that the flow study alone shouldn't determine wheter surgery is needed. I am now trying to find another neurosurgeon in the Indianapolis area. God bless and take care everyone. If anyone has any input on my flow study report, or know of any good surgeons in Indy, please let me know.