The importance of MRIs

[LIZARD]

Hey, folks. :)

My son, 9 1/2, was dex'ed with autism 7 years ago, and although it took awhile, I had always wanted to get an MRI on him. This is because I was alarmed at his extremely rapid cranial growth as an infant, along with the mis-shapen head that might have indicated hydrocephalus, which I have. I had always been told hydro was not genetic, and no one else in my family has it, but the size and shape of Drew's head prompted real concern, so after several attempts at getting him to fast for it (for general anesthesia; I knew he'd *never* lie still for 45+ minutes!), we succeeded when he was 5 1/2.

Well, no hydro, but a startling finding I hadn't considered: a 13 mm herniation of his cerebellum known as Chiari.

As I researched it, I found that a troublesome problem he had--swallowing problems with gagging and even occasional vomitting--might be related. It worsened as we tinkered with his diet (which, I realize, may be sensory in part), and he began to mess his pants.

I have learned that several of his problems could be related to the Chiari, but of even greater note, Chiari is being discovered more and more often in the MRIs of kids dx'ed with autism.

*Please*, if your child has vision issues; is gagging, swallowing, or vomitting frequently; has complained of neck, back, or head pain, or any other suspicious symptoms, *get an MRI*. Chiari may be the problem.


A concerned mommy, LIZ in RI

[jnkkmom]

Hi Liz. My son is 8 and diagnosed PDD-NOS. He has problems with swallowing & gagging and is being treated for reflux (which doesn't seem to totally fit). These symptoms just came on a couple months ago after a virus. Though he has always had an exaggerated gag reflex and if he cried too hard, he'd vomit. I could also hear stuff coming up when he was a baby but he didn't vomit. He has complained the past 2 years of headaches (mostly after school). His vision is fine. Does it sound like he could have chiari - since his symptoms have only gotten worse recently? He is going to be scheduled for an MRI in the next couple of months.

[Adele Krichbaum]

[QUOTE=LIZARD]Hey, folks. :)

My son, 9 1/2, was dex'ed with autism 7 years ago, and although it took awhile, I had always wanted to get an MRI on him. This is because I was alarmed at his extremely rapid cranial growth as an infant, along with the mis-shapen head that might have indicated hydrocephalus, which I have. I had always been told hydro was not genetic, and no one else in my family has it, but the size and shape of Drew's head prompted real concern, so after several attempts at getting him to fast for it (for general anesthesia; I knew he'd *never* lie still for 45+ minutes!), we succeeded when he was 5 1/2.

Well, no hydro, but a startling finding I hadn't considered: a 13 mm herniation of his cerebellum known as Chiari.

As I researched it, I found that a troublesome problem he had--swallowing problems with gagging and even occasional vomitting--might be related. It worsened as we tinkered with his diet (which, I realize, may be sensory in part), and he began to mess his pants.

I have learned that several of his problems could be related to the Chiari, but of even greater note, Chiari is being discovered more and more often in the MRIs of kids dx'ed with autism.

*Please*, if your child has vision issues; is gagging, swallowing, or vomitting frequently; has complained of neck, back, or head pain, or any other suspicious symptoms, *get an MRI*. Chiari may be the problem.


A concerned mommy, LIZ in RI[/QUOTE]
My son is 13 and was born with a large head, as well, and is still somewhat large but seems to go with his body better now. Anyway, I know we did a CT when he was 2 and it was "Normal" but one part was larger than normal. I have also wanted to get an MRI but my husband (who is a radiology tech and Department Director) says it would be better if we could find a PET scanner that would have spect images. Any thoughts? Also, he cannot swallow, gagged a LOT when younger, and has oral sensitivities even now that have precluded lots of things from his diet. I am looking for a good sensory OT to work on him with his mouth problems. He chews nails (hands and feet) til they bleed and always chews on plastic if not his nails.

[becky]

We recently went ahead with an MRI and second EEG with Will. I think it was easier for us to get through the process of getting the referral because Will has had febrile seizures. He was really sick with the flu this past winter, and had a number of seizures close together. After his diagnosis of PDD-NOS last Fall, our pediatric neurologist gave us the option to have one done. At that time we chose not to simply because we were told, and agreed, that it could be a lot for Will to go through and the results would not be anything that we could "change." After his seizures a few months later, we changed our mind. Everything came back normal, and it was concluded that his seizures were only related to the fevers.

With our story, I guess I'm just saying that if you can, have one done. I realize that all it did for us was put us at ease. But, with all the uncertainties we go through as parents, that was well worth the time and effort. And, Will recently asked to go back the the hospital so he could eat 2 popsicles for breakfast while he watches cartoons!