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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Demyelination
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury
Demyelination
by shferolie, Mar 08, 2006 12:00AM
I have spinal stenosis in my cervical spine with symptoms of on and off numbness in my fingers and sometimes tingling in my arms. I saw a spine surgeon and he suggested doing a laminaplasty to relieve the pressure on my spine especially because he saw an area he believed to be a myelomalacia. I was all set for surgery and when I was sent for a more current MRI and the radiologist believed that area to be something other than a bruise. I was sent to a neurologist and he came to the conclusion that it was just an area of demyelination from me rubbing on it. He felt very strongly about me not having surgery because he feels this will heal with weight loss, better posture, and taking it easy (not reaching or doing anything that causes the numbness)
My question is: Does myelin heal itself? It's been a few months and it's not getting worse, but I'm wondering if I made the right decision. It's always difficult when two doctors disagree.
My question is: Does myelin heal itself? It's been a few months and it's not getting worse, but I'm wondering if I made the right decision. It's always difficult when two doctors disagree.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW, Mar 14, 2006 12:00AM
I cannot give you a formal medical opinion on the internet, but in general, surgery for spinal stenosis is done when there is a risk of progressive or furhter neurological injury such as weakness or loss of function of a limb. Surgery for sensory symptoms only is generally to be avoided. It is a big surgery, and can make other parts of the spine more unstable. Also this type of surgery does not gaurantee resolution of pain or sensory complaints. MRIs should be monitored over time for identification of worsening stenosis. Conservative treatment as you describe above will usually suffice in the majority of patients in the short to medium term
Sometimes we see areas of signal change in the spinal cord if there is severe enough compression - this is caused by 'gliosis' - a sign of damage to the nerve tracts, this may indicate surgery in the right setting, but the diagnosis of the MRI must be accurate.
Sometimes we see areas of signal change in the spinal cord if there is severe enough compression - this is caused by 'gliosis' - a sign of damage to the nerve tracts, this may indicate surgery in the right setting, but the diagnosis of the MRI must be accurate.
- keep seeking more medical advice. Thank-You pazman 1 (listen to him!)I've been through numerous situations where we all believe the MD's have made intelligent medical decisions based on our best interests ... Yes, I am a firm believer of the combination along w/ the Lord's Holy Devine Word. You are sure to be steered on the right path seeking a balance of nutrition, exercise, supplementation/pharmeceutical balances, 8 hours of sleep,and the Soul food for the Spirit.
My friend whom was also a exercise instructor lost the use of her body for years after a growth on her cervical spine. MD's said it was a relatively safe surgery - she jumped to it.
I'm not sure whatever happened to her. She went through heavy rehab for years.
Anyhow...LAST RESORT!
Thank-You Duchess47! Enough said.
O.K. The not reaching stuff??? I'm not sure I understand?
The body has to have movement to repair itself. It's a strong way to naturally help replicate the exact healing properties required for repair.
O.K. get on a treadmill - watch the upper extremities movements.
Gentle Yoga w/ healing breathing w/ lower extremity use only~ or even just the breathing for healing properties.
You need to fight this. I'm not God nor are the MD's.
I've prophecized youth pastors that "YES" they will have kids- lets apply "ALL" the principals.
She now has 3 boys with the ultimate MD ruling out- "not capable of having children." God Bless You!