Join Our Community!
Conditions and Diseases > Back Pain Forum > interpreting MRI results
What structures make up the spine? We review basic spine anatomy here...before identifying potential causes of back pain....
Click here to learn about the most common causes of back pain, and things that increase your risk of backache. We cover lower back pain and upper back pain....
Back pain symptoms may seem obvious. But do you know when symptoms of back pain are more serious or when to see a doctor? Learn what action to take & when...
Avatar
Q: interpreting MRI results
asked by: cadjin on December 21st, 2008
New User
I was in a car accident a month ago & have just had an MRI done. I really need help understanding exactly what the results mean.

Findings...
There is mild narrowing of the cervical canal on a congenital basis. There is straightening of normal cervical lordosis. Mild intervertebral disc dessication is noted. Hemangioma is seen at the T4 level.

C4-C5: Moderate central protrusion indents the ventral surface of the cord with AP dimension of the canal measuring 7-8mm in the midline. Foramina are maintained.

C5-C6: same as above.

Impression...
1. Moderate central protrusions at C4-C5 and C5-C6 causing moderate canal stenosis and indenting the ventral surface of the cord.
2. Straightening of normal cervical lordosis which may be positional or related to spasm.
3. Narrowing of the cervical canal on a congenital basis.

*****************

I understand that I was apparently born with the narrow cervical canal. But I was curious about the rest. I'm sure that the bulges are from the accident, however, I don't understand the rest of it.

I would also like to know if the bulges are considered "large" at 8mm or if it's something not too bad that will go away in time. It's been over a month now & I've really been in a lot of pain... in my neck & out through my shoulder into my arms.

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated!!
Did you find this post useful?
|
Replies(2)
Avatar
rollar64
replied on December 23rd, 2008
Experienced User
"There is mild narrowing of the cervical canal on a congenital basis."

That's right this describes a mild narrowing of the canal that houses your spinal canal that was apparently present at birth.


"There is straightening of normal cervical lordosis."

This is a reduction of the normal curve that is usually present in the neck that is concave at the front.


"Mild intervertebral disc dessication is noted."


this is a lack of moisture in the disks or a thinning of the disks.


"Hemangioma is seen at the T4 level."


a Hemangioma is an abnormal growth of the blood vessels usually harmless this at the fourth joint below the neck.


"C4-C5: Moderate central protrusion indents the ventral surface of the cord with AP dimension of the canal measuring 7-8mm in the midline. Foramina are maintained."

"C5-C6: same as above."


the disks at these two joints are protruding into the spinal canal and touching the spinal cord and narrowing the spinal canal to 7-8mm the foramina which are the grooves in the vertebra that the nerves coarse out of are not obstructed.

Good luck
Did you find this post useful?
|
Users who thank rollar64 for this post: cadjin 
Avatar
littleonefb
replied on December 28th, 2008
Extremely eHealthy
Roller64 has given you some good information about your MRI, but you should really be asking your spine surgeon for the answers to your questions.

He/she is the only one that can relate your MRI findings to your specific situation.

The results may or may not be the same for someone else.

An MRI is only one tool in a good spine surgeon's determination of a diagnosis and how the MRI pics fit your symptoms.

good luck

Fran
Did you find this post useful?
|
Users who thank littleonefb for this post: cadjin 
Quick Reply
Search