lronco1
10-23-2007, 02:24 AM
what happends if you lose spinal fluid
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feelbad
10-23-2007, 12:12 PM
generally,CSF will eventually replenish itself over time,just like our bodies replenish any blood loss?but losing CSF can cause some pretty horrific headaches for some,at least for a while after.what is your current status right now?what does your MRI actually show?Marcia
SpineAZ
10-23-2007, 11:28 PM
A little spinal fluid loss is not a problem. It's common for doctors to do spinal taps in which they remove fluid for tests, etc. As long as you don't have any excruciating headaches (which can be a sign of a spinal fluid volume problem) then a little spinal fluid loss is not a major thing. The fluid, much like blood, can replenish itself.
lronco1
10-24-2007, 04:34 PM
Thanks for the responses,
Actually, the spinal tap was many years ago. I'm 38yrs. old and have recently been diagnosed with cervical and lumbar spinal stenosis, my spine resembles an 85 yr. old, and I was sure it was due to 2 spinal taps and 2 epiderals, 3 of which I jumped during, 1 losing fluid down my back. I doubt that's the case. Is there a way, non-surgically, to replinish
my fliud and cartilage before this progresses any further. I don't want to take perscription drugs or constantly pay for a physical therapist 3x's a week until I
absolutely have to.
Thanks,
Lauren
Actually, the spinal tap was many years ago. I'm 38yrs. old and have recently been diagnosed with cervical and lumbar spinal stenosis, my spine resembles an 85 yr. old, and I was sure it was due to 2 spinal taps and 2 epiderals, 3 of which I jumped during, 1 losing fluid down my back. I doubt that's the case. Is there a way, non-surgically, to replinish
my fliud and cartilage before this progresses any further. I don't want to take perscription drugs or constantly pay for a physical therapist 3x's a week until I
absolutely have to.
Thanks,
Lauren
SpineAZ
10-24-2007, 09:16 PM
Stenosis has nothing to do with spinal fluid or cartilage.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is that which they did the spinal tap for. It's a fluid that circulates throughout the central nervous system. The cerebrospinal fluid is located between the brain and skull and has 2 important benefits to the central nervous system
(1) Circulation: CSF delivers nutrients to the structures of the nervous system and removes wastes from the brain and spinal cord, detoxifying the environment of the nervous system
(2) Shock absorption: CSF protects the brain and spinal cord from trauma brought upon by movement, falls, blows, etc.
In addition, epidurals can't cause stenosis either.
Spinal stenosis causes narrowing in the spine. The narrowing can occur at the center of your spine, in the canals branching off your spine and/or between the vertebrae, the bones of the spine. The narrowing puts pressure on your nerves and spinal cord and can cause pain.
It's more likley you simply have the misfortune of developing stenosis early in life. Stenosis has to do with the bone structures and how the openings narrow.
They key now is to find a physician that will discuss the exact location of the stenosis and what can be done to alleviate your symptoms.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is that which they did the spinal tap for. It's a fluid that circulates throughout the central nervous system. The cerebrospinal fluid is located between the brain and skull and has 2 important benefits to the central nervous system
(1) Circulation: CSF delivers nutrients to the structures of the nervous system and removes wastes from the brain and spinal cord, detoxifying the environment of the nervous system
(2) Shock absorption: CSF protects the brain and spinal cord from trauma brought upon by movement, falls, blows, etc.
In addition, epidurals can't cause stenosis either.
Spinal stenosis causes narrowing in the spine. The narrowing can occur at the center of your spine, in the canals branching off your spine and/or between the vertebrae, the bones of the spine. The narrowing puts pressure on your nerves and spinal cord and can cause pain.
It's more likley you simply have the misfortune of developing stenosis early in life. Stenosis has to do with the bone structures and how the openings narrow.
They key now is to find a physician that will discuss the exact location of the stenosis and what can be done to alleviate your symptoms.
lronco1
10-25-2007, 02:25 AM
Thanks for the response.
Obviously, I misunderstood my neurologist.
I thought my lack of spinal fluid, cartilage,and degenerative nerves were all being caused by the narrowing of my spine (Spinal Stenosis).Do you know what all of this can be called, so I can research it and talk to my neurologist with a better understanding of what's happening to me, he can be very vague? I have been prescribed meds and therapy, I've done this for months, but I'm looking for an alternative. I don't want to start depending on pain meds, but I've got to do something.
Any ideas are appreciated,
Lauren
Obviously, I misunderstood my neurologist.
I thought my lack of spinal fluid, cartilage,and degenerative nerves were all being caused by the narrowing of my spine (Spinal Stenosis).Do you know what all of this can be called, so I can research it and talk to my neurologist with a better understanding of what's happening to me, he can be very vague? I have been prescribed meds and therapy, I've done this for months, but I'm looking for an alternative. I don't want to start depending on pain meds, but I've got to do something.
Any ideas are appreciated,
Lauren
SpineAZ
10-26-2007, 12:14 AM
My first suggestion would be that you see a neurosurgeon or orthopedic spine surgeon and have them evaluate the situation. If your stenosis is bad enough I suppose it could impede the flow of cerebral spinal fluid but that would be very severe.
The stenosis can cause nerve impingement which can, as a result, cause pain and a variety of symptoms.
The stenosis can cause nerve impingement which can, as a result, cause pain and a variety of symptoms.
feelbad
10-27-2007, 12:35 PM
just what does your MRI report state in that summary at the very end?this is where they list the most prominant issues.if you do not have actual copies of all test results,you really DO need to obtain them and then keep updating them.this is really the best way to stay on top of things.i have been doing this since my spinal cord injury.i keep this all in one folder that i can take with me to all appts with the various specialists i now have to see.it really is something anyone with an ongoing condition really needs to do.this way you always have them in your possession.if you even have to be seen in an ER or something,you will have all of your most important info right there for the ER docs to see.it gives them a baseline to work from.just very helpful,really.Marcia
neckpatient
10-28-2007, 01:41 AM
stenosis in the central canal can cause decreased flow of spinal fluid. I have it myself and there are places I have very low amount surrounding my cord. FYI stenosis can also be congenital and even if mild over time in your life can become severe.