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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Central cervical cord compression at c4-c5
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Central cervical cord compression at c4-c5
by jerseygirl3460, Dec 16, 2003 12:00AM
I am 8 years post-op for a decompression of my spinal cord at c4-c6; 10 years post-op cervical fusion of c6-c7. I have learned recently that my cord is recompressed at c4-c5 with a central cord compression to an AP of 6mm with edema of the cord and at c5-c6 at 9mm with cord impingement, but no flattening as seen at the c4-5 level. I have seen two neurosurgeons and neither want to operate. I continue to degrade with numbness in my left arm from the foraminal nerve compression on the left side w/ osteophytic growths, as well as, numbeness in my left shoulder blade that has spread to my right and mid-line of my back. My lumbar region shows a diffusely bulging disc at L3-4 and more prominently at L4-5. I have stabbing chest pains that take my breath away and stabbing weakening pains in arms and legs. I also have bladder urgency at times and abdominal spasms that hurt so bad I can not move. I have lost all reflexes in my right arm and have reduced reflexes in my left as well as tricep pain. My legs feel numb when I rise from a sitting position, and sometimes see spots when I sit down. I fight low blood pressure and feelings of nausea, and can not maintain a normal body temperature (96 degrees). My feet sometimes feel like I have broken bones when I walk, and fatigue is a constant battle. My research says that I need to have a decompression surgery and stabilization of the spine, but I can't find a neurosurgeon locally to help. Isn't decompression a must??? And how do I get a surgeon to help me????
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Dec 21, 2003 12:00AM
