Bulging Disc "abutting" spinal cord - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

nabrown · 02-10-2004, 07:38 AM

I have had migraines for almost 3 yrs. now after increased physical activity.
Food trigger avoidance, anti-convulsants, and therapy have brought no relief.
I finally received my MRI/MRA report last week which indicated bulging disc in C5-6. My entire left side is often affected, but my left arm is losing strength and my pain is unbearable. I also have tortuosity in the pons area of the brainstem. Can this be related to the bulging disc? (left side of my tongue has hurt for one yr.) How long do you wait before you ask a neurosurgeon to do surgery? Some damage is irreversable, right? Please provide any input you may have.
Thanks so much for your help,
Nancy

TinaW · 02-10-2004, 09:18 AM

I understand how you are feeling. I had to be a 'pushy patient' to get things moving. Sometimes a patient knows when more need to be done.
My question is why they Doctor who ordered your MRI hasn't referred you to someone who's specialty is the neck and spinal cord. My NS did my surgery in 1997. so when I had the pain, numbness, etc. I called his office and skipped all the middlemen. I had to go to a GP, neuroligist, then the NS, that all takes too much time and money.Not to mention all the unneccessay tests the all order.
Good luck and find out who is the best NS in your area. If you live in a small town like me, take the time to go to a large city, the best hospital, they will know who to refer you to.

nabrown · 02-11-2004, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TinaW

I understand how you are feeling. I had to be a 'pushy patient' to get things moving. Sometimes a patient knows when more need to be done.
My question is why they Doctor who ordered your MRI hasn't referred you to someone who's specialty is the neck and spinal cord. My NS did my surgery in 1997. so when I had the pain, numbness, etc. I called his office and skipped all the middlemen. I had to go to a GP, neuroligist, then the NS, that all takes too much time and money.Not to mention all the unneccessay tests the all order.
Good luck and find out who is the best NS in your area. If you live in a small town like me, take the time to go to a large city, the best hospital, they will know who to refer you to.

Tina,
I have a neurosurgeon seeing me next week on Feb. 19th; he is not knife happy so I don't know what he will suggest. I appreciate your concern.
Thanks for caring, Nancy p.s. this ns is the one they put with the president when he comes to town!