Sagittal Images:
There is moderate kyphosis beginning at
C6-7 and extending cephalad to C3-4.
Osteophytes project from the posterior and
anterior margins of C4-5, C5-6, and C6-7.
Vertebral morphology and bone marrow
signal is normal. All disc spaces reflect
T2 signal loss indicative of desiccation
and there is degenerative narrowing of
C2-3, C4-5, C5-6, and C6-7.
The cervical spinal cord has increased
signal extending from C4 through C7 that
is suspicious for either edema or gliosis.
There is moderate canal narrowing
extending from C4-5 caudad to C6-7.
Axial Images:
C2-3 has moderate narrowing of the left
third foramina due to an uncovertebral
osteophyte. There is a broad-based grade 1
disc protrusion which does not abut the
cord.
At C3-4 there is minimal left central
protrusion measuring less than 3mm (grade
1). It neither abuts the cord nor produces
foraminal narrowing.
At C4-5 there is moderate spinal Stenosis
due to a combination of disc protrusion
and posterior vertebral osteophytes
measuring 4 mm (grade 2). This produces
some flattening and edema of the cervical
spinal cord. There is moderate to marked
narrowing of the right fifth foramina.
At C5-6 there is moderate spinal Stenosis
due to posterior vertebral osteophytes.
The right sixth foramina is markedly
narrowed and there is moderate narrowing
of the left sixth foramina.
C6-7 displays moderate spinal Stenosis due
to posterior vertebral osteophytes and 3
mm (grade 1) disc protrusion. There does
not appear to be significant cord
compression and there is moderate
narrowing of the right seventh foramina.
At C7-T1 there is a minimal left central 3
mm protrusion (grade 1). The right eighth
foramina is moderately narrowed.
Impression:
1.Diffuse Cervical Degenerative Disc
Disease with Disc Protrusions at all
Cervical Levels.
2.Moderate Stenosis and Kyphosis extending
from C4-5 caudad to C6-7. There is mild
cord compression with Edema/Gliosis at
both C4-5 and C5-6.
3.Asymmetrical Foraminal Stenosis, please
see body of report for specific levels.
Current symptoms:
Chronic headaches and radiating pain,
burning, numbness, tingling, weakness
level 8-10plus starting in the neck area
and radiating down both arms into hands
and fingers, especially bad in the right
arm. Extreme pain, tenderness and
stiffness in neck, arms, shoulders and
upper back. Disc Fusion @ C6-7 (12 years
ago). Thanks for your time.
|
rollar64
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 21 Nov 2006 Posts: 128 Location: melbourne
Thanks: 1
Thanked:0
online
Posted: 04-06-08 06:48am
hello ladyefish its a very long and
detailed radiology report.
"moderate kyphosis beginning at C6-7 and
extending cephalad to C3-4."
This means you have an abnormal curvature
of your neck that is concave at the front,
it starts at the bottom two vertebrae in
your neck, and extends to about half way
up your neck.
"Osteophytes project from the posterior
and anterior margins of C4-5, C5-6, and
C6-7."
Osteophytes are small bony growths that
form around the edges of joints,
posterior, and anterior means front ,and
back you have seven vertebrae in your neck
C6-7 is the joint between the bottom two
C5-6 is the next one up C4-5 the next one
up and so on.
"Vertebral morphology and bone marrow
signal is normal. All disc spaces reflect
T2 signal loss indicative of desiccation
and there is degenerative narrowing of
C2-3, C4-5, C5-6, and C6-7."
Vertebral morphology refers to the form
and structure of the vertebrae.
Desiccation means a drying out or a lack
of moisture in the disks. degenerative
narrowing is a loss of height of the
disks.
"The cervical spinal cord has increased
signal extending from C4 through C7 that
is suspicious for either edema or gliosis.
There is moderate canal narrowing
extending from C4-5 caudad to C6-7."
Edema is swelling, and gliosis is an
increased formation of a type of cell in
the spinal cord Canal narrowing means your
spinal canal has narrowed, caudad just
means downward.
"Axial Images:
C2-3 has moderate narrowing of the left
third foramina due to an uncovertebral
osteophyte. There is a broad-based grade 1
disc protrusion which does not abut the
cord."
Foramina are groves or holes that are
formed between two vertabra, and which
nerves coarse out of. An osteophyte is
protruding into the foramina also the disk
is bulging but is does not touch the
spinal cord.
"At C3-4 there is minimal left central
protrusion measuring less than 3mm (grade
1). It neither abuts the cord nor produces
foraminal narrowing"
There is a bulging disk but it does not
touch the cord or protrude into the
foramina.
sorry i have run out of time you should be
able to have a basic understanding of the
rest as it is just a repeat of problems
that you have at other levels of your
spine good luck post again to let us know
how things go if you like
|
Laydefish
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 04 Apr 2008 Posts: 5
Thank you for the info - what's your opinion? Posted: 04-06-08 14:21pm
Thank you very much for the quick response
and for taking the time to explain. I was
wondering, what are your thoughts on my
overall report? Decent? Bad? Horrible?
Thanks again, it is truly appreciated!
|
rollar64
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 21 Nov 2006 Posts: 128 Location: melbourne
Thanks: 1
Thanked:0
online
Posted: 04-06-08 23:44pm
One thing that is in your favour is that
at no one level is there really bad
pathology, only mildly bulging disks,
osteophytes, and mild to moderate stenosis
of the canal, and foramina the bad thing
is you have problems at every level. Your
age will be a factor, if you are young you
will have problems later if you are
advanced in years hopefully your condition
will not progress this could be a problem
these conditions can be progressive, i
will keep my fingers crossed that the
doctors can help you.
|
Laydefish
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 04 Apr 2008 Posts: 5
Responding to my MRI Post Posted: 04-07-08 21:16pm
Thank you again for the reply. I'm just 42
so I guess I have a bit to worry about. I
have a doctor's appointment in about two
weeks, I'll let you know what he says.
Thanks again
|
Laydefish
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 04 Apr 2008 Posts: 5
Doctors Opinion after Cervical MRI Findings Posted: 05-03-08 01:37am
After my current MRI findings, my doctor
(Non-Surgical) is recommending epidural
injections bilaterally C6 to hold off
future surgery with probably a 2 different
level fusion with instrumentation. Any
comments and/or suggestions very much
appreciated. Oh, he also says the Kyphosis
is nothing to worry about???
|
rollar64
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 21 Nov 2006 Posts: 128 Location: melbourne
Thanks: 1
Thanked:0
online
Posted: 05-05-08 07:12am
hello again Laydefish i cant really say
much maybe someone who has had epidural
injections can comment its probably good
they are trying to avoid surgery as you
have problems at all levels and they cant
fuse the lot. i would be skeptical of the
claim that Kyphosis is nothing to worry
about.
|
Laydefish
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 04 Apr 2008 Posts: 5
Cervical Mri and Epidural Injections Posted: 05-06-08 01:29am
Thanks for your time and insight. I tend
to agree with you and some of the research
I've found, but until and when I have a
surgical consult, I'm going to try to not
focusing on it, it's all a little scary
especially since another surgery is
definitely in my future. As far the
injections, I would love to hear about
past experiences/results of others who
have had epidural injections, especially
in cervical area. Thanks- Take Care
|
gurr8
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 20 Jul 2008 Posts: 5 Location: gulfport, ms usa
2 MRI Spine Cervical & Spine Lumbar findings what do they m Posted: 07-20-08 05:13am
Please someone tell me in layman terms
what this means
C4-5 disc: anterior and right
posterolateral disc protrusion and
osteophyte producing mild right
intervertebal foraminal stenosis but no
definite nerve root compression,
C5-6 disc: anterior disc protrusion and
osteophyte. No significant posterior disc
abnormality.
C6-7 disc: Mild concentric disc bulge
without discrete disc herniation or neural
impingement.
T1-2 disc: mild broad posterior disc
protrusion without apparent neural
impingement. IMPRESSION:mild multilevel
degenerative disc disease as noted above
with RIGHT FORAMINAL STENOSIS at C4-5
without apparent neural impingement. No
intrathecal abnormality.
MRI LUMBAR SPINE:
Conus medullaris appears normal. There is
mild anterior wedging of the T11-12 disc
with mild broad based posterior disc
protrusion but no discrete disc herniation
or neual impingement.
T12-L1 disc: within normal limits
L1-2 disc: mild anterior disc bulge w/o
posterior disc contour abnormality.
L2-3 disc: within normal limits, Mild
bilateral facet arthropathy.
L3-4 disc: no disc contour abnormality.
Mild bilateral facet arthropathy.
L4-5 disc: Far lateral disc protrusion on
right w/o nerve root compression.
L5-S1 disc: left posterolateral disc
protrusion.W/O impingement nerve root.
Mild bilateral facet arthropathy.
IMPRESSION: L4-5 right far lateral &
L5-S1 left disc protrusions w/o nerve root
impingement. Mild facet arthropathy
throughout the lower Lumbar Spine. No mass
seen.
Thank You Thank You
|
RichT
Active User, Really EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Posts: 818
Thanks: 15
Thanked:0
Posted: 07-21-08 15:38pm
Hello Laydefish,
I have received three epidural injections
containing the corticosteroid Kenalog
since April 27, 2007. For me, they have
helped a great deal so that I can at least
function fairly well.
Okay, permit me to go on. "doctor
(Non-Surgical)" Laydefish, is he/she your
GP/PCP doc? I would agree that it is a
good idea to at least try epidural
injections containing a corticosteroid to
reduce the inflammation that you may have.
HOWEVER, make absolutely sure that the
doctor giving you the injections is an
expert at doing so. AND the doctor MUST
use a fluoroscope to help him/her guide
the needle to EXACTLY the location it
needs to go.
My experience. Back in Feb '07 I had an
epidural injection by a PA. Worked for
about 2 weeks. Then in Mar '07 I had
another injection by a PA. Hardly worked
at all. I then saw a pain management
doctor who is with the same institute. He
wanted to give me another injection. I
said "NO WAY. They really don't seem to
work. Time for surgery!!" He convinced
me to try again and said "ONLY I will give
you the injections. NO other doctor or PA
in this institute." WOW!!!!! Laydefish,
what a difference. This doc is SUPERB.
He REALLY studied the MRI images and he
did use the fluoroscope. He gets that
corticosteroid to EXACTLY the spot it
needs to go. AND he does so with little
pain to me. I sure couldn't say that
about the first PA!!
So has been my experiences. I hope this
helps a bit. Oh, and don't let your GP
give you those injections. NO WAY!!
Take care.
RichT
|
rollar64
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 21 Nov 2006 Posts: 128 Location: melbourne
Thanks: 1
Thanked:0
online
Posted: 07-23-08 05:07am
"C4-5 disc: anterior and right
posterolateral disc protrusion and
osteophyte producing mild right
intervertebal foraminal stenosis but no
definite nerve root compression,"
C4-5 are the fourth, and fifth vertebra
down from the top of your neck anterior is
the front, the disk is protruding to the
front and right, ostephytes are small bony
growths, the vertebral foramina are small
grooves or holes in the side towards the
rear of the vertebra that the nerve roots
coarse out of, stenosis means narrowing,
so they have narrowed but the nerves are
not being compressed.
"C5-6 disc: anterior disc protrusion and
osteophyte. No significant posterior disc
abnormality."
This is the next joint down its the same
sort of thing refer to the C4-5
explanation
"C6-7 disc: Mild concentric disc bulge
without discrete disc herniation or neural
impingement"
Mild bulging all around the disk, no
rupture of the disk, no nerve compression
"T1-2 disc: mild broad posterior disc
protrusion without apparent neural
impingement. IMPRESSION:mild multilevel
degenerative disc disease as noted above
with RIGHT FORAMINAL STENOSIS at C4-5
without apparent neural impingement. No
intrathecal abnormality"
T1-2 is at the base of your neck,
posterior is at the back, disc protrusion
is not compressing the nerves. Multilevel
DDD, DDD can be many things like disc
narrowing, and a lack of moisture in the
discs, small bony growths, and arthritis.
intrathecal means inside the tough
membrane that surrounds the spinal cord
there is no abnormality here.
"MRI LUMBAR SPINE:
Conus medullaris appears normal. There is
mild anterior wedging of the T11-12 disc
with mild broad based posterior disc
protrusion but no discrete disc herniation
or neual impingement."
Conus medullaris is the end of the spinal
cord where it branches out into a bundle
of individual nerves.
Anterior wedging is when the front of the
vertebral body has narrowed, T11-12 is the
seventh joint from the bottom of your
spine. For the rest refer above its just a
repeat of problems at other levels.
This is not an MRI reading its just an
explanation of some common medical terms.
All the best
|
gurr8
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 20 Jul 2008 Posts: 5 Location: gulfport, ms usa
thank You Posted: 07-24-08 04:26am
I was hoping you would see my post and
answer.
Is this nothing to worry about and what
should be the next step. I have had 5
injections since June 2008 and (2) last
Oct & Nov 2007
I see a neurosurgeon on Tuesday. I really
don't like the idea of drugs to mask the
pain nor do I like idea of surgery (1974)
not back related-last one but if there
is a chance of relief and maybe joining
life again I will.
Sounds like to me worn-out back and old
age.I blame everything on old age.
I know you can't make dignois but your
thoughts. I also Realize doctor's
knownledge is best but alot time talking
to a tree, chair or another person trigger
thoughts and answers to life's problems.
Again I thank You so so much.
The site is not a replacement for professional medical opinion, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical doctor or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment. Do not delay seeking or disregard medical advice based on information written by any author on this site. No health questions and information on eHealth Forum is regulated or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and therefore the information should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a medical doctor. Posts made to these forums express the views and opinions of the author, and not the administrators, moderators, or editorial staff and hence eHealth Forum and its principals will accept no liabilities or responsibilities for the statements made.
Schizophreniahealth
This page was last updated on June 11, 2008