Re: MRI results

[Guest guest]

I had posted the other day about our daughter's bowel and bladder issues.

She had been diagnosed as Chiari in October by a neurologist, but then when we

saw the neurosurgeon in January (armed with our Chiari questions and research)

he disputed the Chiari diagnosis.

The neurologist ordered spinal films of the lumbar and sacral region to rule

out tethered cord (bowel and bladder symptoms - chronic constipation,

accidents, ect, as well as leg cramps and weakness, balance issues,

incoordination)The neurologist ordered spinal films of the lumbar and sacral

region to rule

out tethered cord (bowel and bladder symptoms - chronic constipation,

accidents, ect, as well as leg cramps and weakness, balance issues,

incoordination)<WBR>.

Should we go to a new neurosurgeon or stick with the guy we know? Even

though he disagreed with the Chiari he is still a highly rated, excellent

pediatric surgeon and we would trust him to do a tethered cord surgery. But

should we

find someone new because he wasn't on board with the Chiari diagnosis?

(finding someone new may be a losing battle as well - I've seen two

neurosurgeons

myself in the area and they all have looked at my daughter's brain MRI and

agreed with him that flow looks good around the 2 mm herniation, disagreeing

with the radiologist report).

Does a tethered cord now make this Chiari II?

Should we be asking for an MRI of the thoracic and cervical spine as well to

look for syrinx?

Any other questions we should be asking?

Any other tests?

Is tethered cord as genetic as Chiari I? My mom was diagnosed with Chiari I

in July (what led us on this journey) and they did a decompression in October.

They never looked for a tethered cord with her (her symptoms include back

pain and leg pain). Should she be investigating the possibility for her as

well?

My daughter is 8 years old. Is it possible that the damage is already done

and the bowel and bladder cannot be corrected? What about the weakness, balance

and coordination issues?

Thanks.

Kelli

Kelli K.

39 Anchor Drive

Forestdale, MA 02644

www.kellimustarddavis.blogspot.com

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