that's interesting. I've never heard of that kind of testing (and I've had every test imaginable). Where are you having that test done? And would you mind sharing who your neuro is?

sincerely,
Austin

Yes ive had two of them they're called Cine mri, very effective if elevated then suspine, we even did one where i layed on tummy with head elevated like looking up.

this is very interesting. I have read many many articles on PTC and have never read any of them recommending or even noting the use of Cine Mri.

What kind of information are the doctors looking for? How does seeing csf flow help in treatment for the patient?

I am only guessing as to why they want to check my csf flow but it's probably to see if there could be something blocking the flow. I have had this since I was 16 and this is the first time anyone has wanted to do this type of mri. I live in ny and go to a neurological institute it's called the dent institute in buffalo ny. I can let you guys know if this is the type of mri they going to do and how it went.

I see. Well I'd be so interested to hear what the results of the test are. I looked up a Cine MRI and watched a video on youtube (here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FhuVkWJwHc)

It seems like I should ask my neuro about getting this test. From what I've read online it's new and many doctors don't know about it

mary, where did you have yours done? And how was the test effective? Did it show anything specific that a regular MRI wouldn't show?

well i did have that cine MRI done wasn't bad had normal MRI then after 5-10 min the tech put a thing on my finger kind of like a pulse oximeter and that was how the MRI was finished took almost a half hour don't know when ill get the results probably when i get my tap Friday or April 11th when i go for my follow up ill let ya know when i know

Im my testing we were looking at the cerebral tonsils because chronic high pressure can herniate the brain. Mine herniated 8mm and its no joke when it happens, the bad thing about it is many Dr.s send you on a treasure hunt calling it Arnold Chiari Malformation, and without prior proof via mri imaging all kinds of unnessecary stuff takes place. The Dr.s specifically the neurosurgeon that wanted to do a posterior fossa decompression and lamectomy were surprisd when i went back to rub it in their face after "I" got my own pressure undercontrol and my cerebral tonsils retracted back into the skull.

Austin,
I sought help about 3years ago from Chiari specialists, they helped me SO VERY MUCH, thats hwen my care turned the corner. I saw Dr. Hefez in Wisconsin, and Dr. Oro in Aurora Colorado, he a genius. He treats people when other medical morons fail em.
http://chiaricare.com/

all i know is that i have low lying tonsils dont know if that could be the start of chiari or not i was told its a 1.5mm but that was back in 2010 or 2011 dont remember when just curious how high my pressure is again its been almost 2 yrs since last tap and ive been off meds a year now i have to start them again i should have known something was up my head and eyes are killing me but i have dry eyes and migraines so didnt think anything of it ugh so much pain :(

Chiari is typically congenital, yours is most likely like mine due to high pressures, regardless of the hernation measurement it can be highly painful, and make you extremly symptomatic. I would guess they are checking your flow due to cerebal tonsils, dont forget,any deviation from normal in that area is problematic consider valsalva, even simple daily movements like climbing stairs, bending, stretching, using restroom can cause a slew of symptoms, there is even the consideration of arteries being squashed back there.

i wouldnt doubt it if mine is caused by high pressure ive had this since i was 16 i just hope something is found on that mri i am so sick of this oh i know all about the bending and climbing stairs things anything that causes me to strain make my head hurt so bad i hate going to the bathroom at times since i know it could cause me head pain. i have other issues as well like bulging discs in neck rotated and/or tilted c1 and c2 muscle spasms in the neck muscle knots in my shoulders cant forget double vision i have a prism in each lens for that god im just a mess and im only 33 i so can not wait for my spinal tap now since my head and eyes are in so much pain i just want someone to put me out of my misery

nickkiez, I'm so sorry that you're in such terrible pain. I've never had chiari but I have a close friend with chiari who says it's the most painful condition. She says walking up any stairs is torture.

I'm blessed to not have chiari, but I do have non-stop head and eye pain. I hope you're able to manage the pain somehow. Please let me know what the results of your cine MRI are.

sincerely,
Austin

Mary, where did you have the cine MRI done? And would you also mind telling me who the doctor is that ordered it? As my father and I have experimented with different things, we have found that when I have my shunt tapped (with a butterfly needle) my CSF pressure rises dramatically in certain positions (on my stomach, with head up, or with my neck twisted to the right or left).

the doctors I've seen regrettably don't have an understanding of how CSF pressure changes in these different positions.

also, it sounds like you were successful in "treating yourself" and getting yourself better. I would LOVE to know how you did that! I've seen literally over 50 doctors, and it would be nice to never go to another doctor appointment ever again.

anyway, please feel free to email me at medstudent29@gmail.com

sincerely,
Austin

i dont know the complete results of my mri yet but i was told that there is nothing blocking the flow of my csf so im thinking i just make too much fluid for my poor head when i get the full results ill let ya know