Question
QUESTION: I have been experiencing migraines, sometimes accompanied with vertigo for over 2 years now.  I also herniated the three lowest discs in my back around 2.5 years ago.  I am trying to find out why I'm getting migraines and vertigo.  The neurologist said there was absolutely no way that my spine could have anything to do with it.  I had an MRI of my brain done and the nurse who called me and said it was completely normal.  However, when I got the report it said:

persistent CSF space between sleeves of the septum pellucidum (called cavum septum pellucidum).  It also said the right maxillary sinus has minimal mucosal thickening.  What does this mean?  Is it a problem?

Can there be any connection between this and the vertigo/migraines?  Can my lower back problems have anything to do with it?  

The vertigo & migraines are pretty scary when they come on.  Should I see a different type of specialist?  Any feedback you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
ANSWER: I don't know if your migraines are coming from your low back, but it sure can.  The membrane that surrounds your brain extends down and connects to your sacrum (the triangle bone that the bottom of your spine).  The herniated discs you have can cause the vertebrae above and below the herniations to "lock-up" and in turn causes tension on that membranous attachment all the way up to the brain.  But the vertigo is a different beast.  The most likely reason is that your skull bones are lock (yes they do move) and this can cause interference in neurologic flow to the ears.  This can be better described in person.  My suggestion is to see a chiropractic specialist that deals with cranial issues.  I am a member of such a group and we use low force to treat many different problems, including migraines, vertigo and disc herniations.  Not all chiropractors are able to do this.  If you are interested go to www.sorsi.com to locate a doctor near you.  I am in St. Paul, Minnesota and would be happy to see you.  If you have any other questions or concerns or need help locating a doctor, please email me.

Dr. Starbuck

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you that is very helpful to know.  Can you also explain these diagnosis to me?  I'm not sure what it means:  

I have persistent CSF space between sleeves of the septum pellucidum (called cavum septum pellucidum).  It also said the right maxillary sinus has minimal mucosal thickening.  What does this mean?  Is it a problem?  Can this cause migraines or vertigo?  Thank you so much.

Answer
I am not 100% sure of what the septum pellucidum is, but I looked it up and it sounds like it is a normal variant, meaning not everyone has it, but the ones that do don't have to worry about it.  But if it still concerns you, please talk to your neurologist.  I am not sure what the "minimal mucosal thickening" of the maxillary sinus means.  Maybe the right and left sides are different sizes, but that is not something that can cause migraines.  I still believe your particular symptoms are caused by cranial vault (bones) issues that can effectively be treated by a doctor on the website that I gave you, www.sorsi.com.  If you have trouble locating a doctor near you, please email me back.

Dr. Starbuck