Question 1

mri due to migraines. mri report said,  high riding left jugular bulb and cerebellum tonsils low lying but no chiari. what symptoms would i experience with each of these?

Accepted Answer

None: Those are “normal” anatomical variants and have nothing whatever to do with migraines. The physician who ordered the MRI has the ethical obligation to review the report with you and interpret it in terms you can understand, or, if they can’t, to find someone who can. You have a right to expect that. Remember that for the future.

Question 2

migraine history mra/mri results: right a1 anterior cerebral artery is hypoplastic. right p1 posterior cerebral artery is markedly hypoplastic. low lying cerebellar tonsils, no chiari. borderline high riding left jugular bulb.what's the significance?

Accepted Answer

How it is: The description you provided describes the anatomy seen on the MRA/MRI
The significance needs to be correlated with your clinical exam and findings.
Without more information difficult to say much more. Consult your ordering physician for complete diagnosis.

Question 3

what are low lying cerebellar tonsils?

Accepted Answer

Tonsillar Herniation: It is result of brain herniation from increased pressure in brain which pushes the cerebellar tonsils down through the foramen magnum (opening in floor of skull where cerebellum comes through when pushed down). It is also called Chiari Malformation.

Question 4

can low lying cerebellar tonsils descend further?

Accepted Answer

Yes: This can be progressive, especially if caused by a spinal problem like a tethered spinal cord or spinal fluid leak. Many times this does not progress however.

Question 5

slightly low lying cerebellar tonsils, probably secondary to tonsilar ectopia?

Accepted Answer

Not tonsils: The cerebellar tonsils are not tonsils, just part of your cerebellum.  Sometimes when patients are dizzy it is due to pressure from a portion of the cerebellum resting low in the skull, around the foramen magnum.  If a radiologist noted the cerebellar tonsils ride a little low, they might mention it in a report.  It would not be that uncommon of a finding on a normal MRI or ct of the brain.

Question 6

can any doc tell me what does low lying cerebellar tonsils mean?

Accepted Answer

Arnold Chiari: Low lying cerebellar tonsils refer to the presence of cerebellar tissue below the foramen magnum.  Usually referred to as Arnold Chiari Type I, which are in general asymptomatic and seen as an incidental finding on MRI of the brain. Best to check with your doctor for certain.

Question 7

mri stated "there are some what low lying cerebellar tonsils along the inferior margin of the foreman magnum, no tonsil ectopia." should i be worried?

Accepted Answer

No need to worry: What you are describing sounds like a normal variant. No tonsil ectopia means that there is no damage to the cerebellum. However, I would discuss this with the ordering physician

Question 8

what does mildly low-lying cerebellar tonsils mean? what does unremarkable unenhanced brain parenchyma mean?

Accepted Answer

It depends: Everyone's brain "sags" onto the skull base when standing, running, defecating.  Any sag more than 5mm may suggest chiari malformation or low pressure headache.  Have your doctor ask the radiologist to measure the mm of descent for you,  the rest of the report is normal.

Question 9

had an mri that stated i have low lying cerebellar tonsils. could this be the cause of my daily neck pain or would it be something else?

Accepted Answer

Neck: This is usually an asymptomatic incidental finding.  neck ache most commonly muscular tension like headaches stress anxiety try a massage

Question 10

hello doctors, i did an mri yesterday and got the following result: incidental low-lying cerebellar tonsils extending approximately 4-5 mm inferior to the foramen magnum bilaterally. my question is: can i have a surgery ti fix it with this size?

Accepted Answer

: Would eschew surgery unless the congenital variant were causing distinct neurological symptoms.  If you are focused on this finding, see a neurosurgeon and get an opinion.

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Doctor answers about:

Cerebellar tonsils are low riding

A member asked:

Mri due to migraines. mri report said, high riding left jugular bulb and cerebellum tonsils low lying but no chiari. what symptoms would i experience with each of these?

A member asked:

Migraine history mra/mri results: right a1 anterior cerebral artery is hypoplastic. right p1 posterior cerebral artery is markedly hypoplastic. low lying cerebellar tonsils, no chiari. borderline high riding left jugular bulb.what's the significance?

A member asked:

What are low lying cerebellar tonsils?

A member asked:

Can low lying cerebellar tonsils descend further?

A member asked:

Slightly low lying cerebellar tonsils, probably secondary to tonsilar ectopia?

A member asked:

Can any doc tell me what does low lying cerebellar tonsils mean?

A member asked:

Mri stated "there are some what low lying cerebellar tonsils along the inferior margin of the foreman magnum, no tonsil ectopia." should i be worried?

A member asked:

What does mildly low-lying cerebellar tonsils mean? what does unremarkable unenhanced brain parenchyma mean?

A member asked:

Had an mri that stated i have low lying cerebellar tonsils. could this be the cause of my daily neck pain or would it be something else?

A member asked:

Hello doctors, i did an mri yesterday and got the following result: incidental low-lying cerebellar tonsils extending approximately 4-5 mm inferior to the foramen magnum bilaterally. my question is: can i have a surgery ti fix it with this size?

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