gaddy23
10-03-2007, 02:17 PM
Hi, I am new to this site. Could someone advice.
For years now, I had numbness in my hands, together with neck and leg stiffness. This problem went undiagnosed. I recently saw a new gp and he recommended an MRI cervical spine. I received the results (see below) and am worried.
Could you let me know what you think? Do I need surgery? What are my options?
********
Findings:
Cervical spondylosis with multi-level degenerative disk disease and osteophytes at C5-C6
Loss of normal lordosis may be due to muscle spasm. The cervical vertebrae are otherwise normal in height and alignment. Marrow signal is normal.
The spinal cord is normal in caliber and has normal signal characteristics.
The craniovertebral region is unremarkable. Cerebellar tonsils are normally situated.
C3/4: Small central disc herniation without canal compromise
C4/5: Small central disc herniation without canal compromise. Small anterior disc herniation.
C5/6: Anterior disc herniation. Central and (L) para-central disc herniation that touches the cord. There is mild narrowing of the central canal.The neural foramina are patent.
C6/7. Broad based posterior disc herniation moreso on the left, with small postero-lateral osteophytes. The cord is deformed. There is mild to moderate narrowing of central canal and left neural foramen.
***********
Please help and advice! Gaddy
For years now, I had numbness in my hands, together with neck and leg stiffness. This problem went undiagnosed. I recently saw a new gp and he recommended an MRI cervical spine. I received the results (see below) and am worried.
Could you let me know what you think? Do I need surgery? What are my options?
********
Findings:
Cervical spondylosis with multi-level degenerative disk disease and osteophytes at C5-C6
Loss of normal lordosis may be due to muscle spasm. The cervical vertebrae are otherwise normal in height and alignment. Marrow signal is normal.
The spinal cord is normal in caliber and has normal signal characteristics.
The craniovertebral region is unremarkable. Cerebellar tonsils are normally situated.
C3/4: Small central disc herniation without canal compromise
C4/5: Small central disc herniation without canal compromise. Small anterior disc herniation.
C5/6: Anterior disc herniation. Central and (L) para-central disc herniation that touches the cord. There is mild narrowing of the central canal.The neural foramina are patent.
C6/7. Broad based posterior disc herniation moreso on the left, with small postero-lateral osteophytes. The cord is deformed. There is mild to moderate narrowing of central canal and left neural foramen.
***********
Please help and advice! Gaddy
Sponsor
neckpatient
10-03-2007, 03:35 PM
You need to go to a neurosurgeon. I follow the belief that when there is cord compromise you really shouldn't delay decision making and get medical opinions about the course of action. They probably will recommend surgery and if it were me, I would proceed soon.
Because you have suffered numbness etc for a while, there might be a chance that you won't get complete resolution, but you definitely can forestall any further damage - you really should protect your spinal cord.
Because you have suffered numbness etc for a while, there might be a chance that you won't get complete resolution, but you definitely can forestall any further damage - you really should protect your spinal cord.
acaptainn
10-03-2007, 08:48 PM
Ditto, Neck covered it
feelbad
10-04-2007, 09:29 AM
yep,i totally agree,when it comes to your spinal cord,the sooner the better as far as getting any compression relieved.the longer the compression stays the more likely you can suffer permanent cord damage and or myelopathy,which you could,considering your symptoms,already be suffering from.you don't even want to go there,trust me on that one.do you currently have 'hyper' reflexes in your legs?seeing a good knowledgable experienced neurosurgeon is really the best possible place for an eval of your current situation,getting another opinion too is always a good idea.you just really need to realize the possible ramifications of waiting to move on this.the sooner the better.you just really do need to know what your risks are at this point.I do wish you luck with this.just get to an experienced NS soon.please keep us posted on how things are going,K? marcia
gaddy23
10-05-2007, 02:12 PM
Thanks for the advice and well wishes. I am so scared! Do you know what are the side effects of that type of surgery? I booked myself for an appointment with a neurosurgeon.
codemonger
10-05-2007, 10:03 PM
Hi Gaddy,
I know it is hard, but you should try to relax and see what the doctors say. Your MRI results don't seem too bad, but it really depends on your symptoms and what the doctors find in reflexes, etc. I saw both a neurologist and a neurosurgeon. I found it easier to get appointments with a neurologist. I only saw the neurosurgeon twice before surgery. I also like it that the neurologist isn't making any more money by recommending surgery.
I've just had C4-5 ACDF 2 weeks ago and I'm doing well. I went for my post-op appointment today and got cleared to go back to work. I still have symptoms, they won't guarantee relief, the main goal is to stop things from getting worse. It can take many months for nerves to heal.
Good luck.
Don
I know it is hard, but you should try to relax and see what the doctors say. Your MRI results don't seem too bad, but it really depends on your symptoms and what the doctors find in reflexes, etc. I saw both a neurologist and a neurosurgeon. I found it easier to get appointments with a neurologist. I only saw the neurosurgeon twice before surgery. I also like it that the neurologist isn't making any more money by recommending surgery.
I've just had C4-5 ACDF 2 weeks ago and I'm doing well. I went for my post-op appointment today and got cleared to go back to work. I still have symptoms, they won't guarantee relief, the main goal is to stop things from getting worse. It can take many months for nerves to heal.
Good luck.
Don