CCSVI and CCVBP

[uprightdoc]

That makes sense. I just cannot see it on the small image.

Syrinxes are often associated with Chiari malformations or cerebellar tonsillar ectopia. A sagittal (side) view of the brain would allow me to see the position of the cerebellum relative to the foramen magnum. It will allow me to see the dimensions and design of the posterior fossa. A small underdeveloped (hypoplastic) posterior fossa is associated with Chiari malformations. It is also important to see the angle of the base of your skull as well as the angles between the base of the skull and upper cervical spine.

[mystery1980]

I'm busy with the images wright now, so they follow later here or through pm

I remember that the neurosurgion said that I don't have Chiari malformation, but I still appreciate that you want to look at the images and answer my questions!

I post later..

Kind regards,

Francis

[Robnl]

Hi Doc,

When you zoom in it 's better, but i understand larger images are coming

[uprightdoc]

Good morning Francis,

I can see the full length of the syrinx, as well as the T4/5 area much better on the images you sent PM. It looks to me like a sequestered disc fragment at the T4/5 level. It is probably not a bone spur. The disc fragment is compressing the thecal sac and very close to the cord. The T4/5 disc is not the cause of the syrinx but it may be making matters worse by compressing the surrounding epidural vertebral veins.

I disagree with the neurosurgeon. You have very low lying cerebellar tonsils. It looks like a Chiari 0 to me. Since Robert told me that you do not have upright MRI in the Netherlands yet, I assume the brain scan was done in the recumbent position (supine). The upright position most likely will cause the cerebellar tonsils to descend further, which could cause a blockage. A Chiari malformation would explain your eye symptoms and dysmenorrhea.

You need and Upright MRI brain scan and an Upright Cine MRI to check the position of the cerebellar tonsils in the upright positions and to check blood and CSF flow between the cranial vault and spinal canal.

It takes considerable force to herniate a disc in the thoracic spine. Could you please describe what happened in the scooter and automobile accidents as well as what occurred when you fell down the stairs.

[Robnl]

Hi Doc, (and Francis),

there is no CINE upright MRI in holland, but in Terneuzen they have a standard FONAR upright MRI device!
you've seen my images....

Rgds,

Robert
PS Francis,
Vertically, pressure is different, so MRI will look somewhat different...

[uprightdoc]

Guten morgen Robert,

A Vertical/Upright MRI is a good start. It will show whether the tonsils descend further or not. If they already have a FONAR Vertical MRI then they will most likely eventually add hardware and software for CINE MRI. CINE MRI is more important. It is not the degree of descent that is important. What is important is whether the descent causes blockage of blood and CSF flow. Some people have large descent and no problems. Other people have minimal descent and major problems. Considering that Francis has visual and possible pituitary signs and symptoms, as well as a syrinx, it is highly suspicious that she has a cerebellar tonsillar ectopia (Chiari) blocking blood and CSF flow.

[mystery1980]

Good morning Dr. Flanagan,

Thank you for the reply!

How can I ask for a upright mRI scan?
Because the neurosurgion says I don't have Chiari?

When I had the scooter accident in 1999 a car hit me while I was driving, I do remember that he hit me, but I "woke up" on the road with lot of people around me. I see the general practitioner because the man who hit me wanted to. At that time everything was oke, but four days later I went to the hospital because I had complaints from my elbow and I believe my neck.

When I had the car accident in 2002 I sat on the backseat of the car and we have to dodge from another car. I one point we step out of the car and call family. When they arrive en talked to me, my neck snapped and my arms tingle.
We went to the hospital where they had make radiographic images, they said there was a little crack to see on my skull, the diagnosis was a concussion and whiplash.

When I fall of the stairs in 2012 I remember I have to go to the bathroom and walk out the bedroom door, after that moment I do not remember anything. My boyfriend found me at the bottom of the staircase. He believed I had a concussion and stayed all the time with me. After two days we went to the general practitioner and at first they say the same as my boyfriend. I don't remember myself the first two days. After a while they thought to a brain contusion.

I see different specialists and after I while they said and think I had psychological complaints. My feeling said there was something more going on and I went to Germany to see a specialist. He thought also to a Chiari and want that they do some research in the Netherlands, because the researches where not reimbursed in Germany.

I have to say I already know that I had syringomyelia since 2008 but the specialist in Germany was the first who told me it was in my case progressive.

Pardon me for the long story

Would you like to know what my main complaints are?

Kind regards,

Francis

[uprightdoc]

Hello Francis,

Now I get the "big picture" and it is very clear.

You had two significant trumatic brain injuries . You also had two significant injuries to your neck and skull. You subsequently fell down the stairs when you got out of bed because you went from supine to upright and fainted. The fainting is most likely due to ischemia and pressure related to the Chiari. The vertical (upright) position causes descent of the brainstem. Pressure on the brainstem can cause "drop attacks." Structural strains of the craniocervical junction between the skull and upper cervical spine can cause tension on the dura mater of the brain resulting in descent of the cerebellar tonsils. Deformation of the spinal canal in the upper cervical spine can also obstruct blood and CSF flow.

What are your main complaints.

[Robnl]

Hi Francis,

If you have a willing GP, he can write a 'verwijzing' for the upright MRI...

i did it...

Robert

[wallace]

I just read this introductory book to Upper spinal care which I found useful. Unfortunately though CCSVI is not mentioned directly http://www.amazon.com/Doctors-Who-Give- ... nah+doctor

[NZer1]

Dr F you need cloning, can this also be one of the focuses for you next year please ............... ;)

[uprightdoc]

Thank Nigel. I will see what I can do.

[Robnl]

Yeah, we need a dr flanagan in Europe

[uprightdoc]

My wife just got a call from and 85 year old retired chiropractor who bought my book. He wanted to buy another book for a fellow 83 year old retired chiropractor. He was very excited and enthusiatic. He said the book is great and should be taught in all the schools. Wait until he sees my next book. It's much more involved. We need many more professionals who are ready to learn and willing to take on the challenge.

[mystery1980]

Good evening Dr. Flanagan, Robnl and of course all the other people

@ Dr. Flanagan, I will translate my complaints tomorrow and post them here.
Do you also think my diagnosis are progressive and if its smart to have a surgery on the T4/T5 level?

@ Robnl, I think its better a wait to ask for a reference at the GP after the appointment with the neurosurgeon on the second of february and maby even after the surgery, because the neurosurgion said it was not a Chiari and how can I explain that a maby do have a Chiari, you get me? ;)

Kind regards,

Francis