Is 3mm considered chiari?

[marja]

Is 3mm or slightly less than 3mm cerebellar tonsil herniation considered chairi?

[gunflint]

I don't know if there is a final definition. I was diagnosed with a Chiairi type 0 by two NS's and I believe I was at about 3mm. When I read my Hospital Release Summary it said Chiari type 1.

[marja]

I applied for disability. My past MRIs showed chiari I 6mm for 5 years in a row. Somehow, a recent MRI is only showing 3mm, which the radiologist did not consider to be be chiari so he wrote normal MRI.

[pmaxwell]

Textbook definition says Chiari for an adult is 5mm or more. However there is a question regarding that which is why they now have a Chiari 0. They need to look at more than just the herniation of the cerebellum. Many with this disorder also have a small posterior fossa. Some have increased cranial pressure. It is also possible for the tonsils to move up and down.

Patricia

[marja]

Would a small posterior fossa show up on MRI? I mean would the radiologist note it without a doctor having to instruct to check it?

[gunflint]

I am probably posting the obvious here as I see by your post count that you've been here a while. But is your Radiologist/NS experienced in CM/SM? The local yocal NS I first saw told me to go ahead and keep working until my hands got numb, then make another appointment. The top NS in Minneapolis with CM/SM experience wanted to schedule surgery asap. As did Dr. Heiss at the NIH. I'm just saying.

[marja]

No, the radiologist is not experienced with chiari. That is the problem.

[gunflint]

Then for what ever it's worth, my advice would be to do what ever it takes to find someone who is. It could change your life.