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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Multi- level thoracic disc herniations
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Multi- level thoracic disc herniations
by loiskerr, Feb 27, 2007 12:00AM
CT Myelogram and MRI results.
-T5 T6 7mm large disc herniation
-T6 T7 5mm disc herniation
-T7 T8 3.5 paracentral spur causing deformity thercal sac
-T8 T9 disc/osteophyte complex on the right parcentral region abutting the cord.
-T9 T10 small right paracentral disc herniation and mild flattening.
Impression:
Multiple regions of disc herniation with calcification from the T5 level down to T10 causing varying degrees of spinal stenosis as well as cord flattening and abutment.
I had an Anterior Discetomy and fusion of C5 and C6. Titanium disc and plate. Recovered well some stiffness.
My Neuro said he would do the thoracic operation but doesn't want too. 15% risk of paralising me. I have not worked in two years and the pain is everyday every minute. My question is does this get worse with time? I have trouble with bladder and bowel frequency and my legs hurt, sometime I can't walk. Can't find much info on this subject so rare. Thanks any advice will help.
The "Comments" posted below are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions
Operation or not? That is the question
-T5 T6 7mm large disc herniation
-T6 T7 5mm disc herniation
-T7 T8 3.5 paracentral spur causing deformity thercal sac
-T8 T9 disc/osteophyte complex on the right parcentral region abutting the cord.
-T9 T10 small right paracentral disc herniation and mild flattening.
Impression:
Multiple regions of disc herniation with calcification from the T5 level down to T10 causing varying degrees of spinal stenosis as well as cord flattening and abutment.
I had an Anterior Discetomy and fusion of C5 and C6. Titanium disc and plate. Recovered well some stiffness.
My Neuro said he would do the thoracic operation but doesn't want too. 15% risk of paralising me. I have not worked in two years and the pain is everyday every minute. My question is does this get worse with time? I have trouble with bladder and bowel frequency and my legs hurt, sometime I can't walk. Can't find much info on this subject so rare. Thanks any advice will help.
The "Comments" posted below are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions
Operation or not? That is the question
Doctor's Answer
by Forum-M.D.-SH, Feb 28, 2007 12:00AM
First of all, keep in mind that I am unable to diagnose you because I am unable to examine you, this forum is for educational purposes.
The symptoms and story that you describe are consistent with a compressive myelopathy (spinal cord compression). Disc herniations do tend to get better over time, but the question arises when there is a possibility of permanent damage to the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. With prolonged compression, you may develop myelomalacia (atrophy/degeneration of the spinal cord) and the transient symptoms of pain, inability to walk, bowel/bladder dysfunction may become permanent. A neurophysiologic study called a SSEP (somatosensory evoked potential- median and tibial) may help determine the degree of myelopathy (spinal cord dysfunction) that you have. If your symptoms are progressive (getting worse) then you will likely need surgery. If your symptoms are improving then I would suggest the SSEP and repeat imaging, and based on the results of these tests then a decision about surgery can be made. I hope this has been helpful.
The symptoms and story that you describe are consistent with a compressive myelopathy (spinal cord compression). Disc herniations do tend to get better over time, but the question arises when there is a possibility of permanent damage to the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. With prolonged compression, you may develop myelomalacia (atrophy/degeneration of the spinal cord) and the transient symptoms of pain, inability to walk, bowel/bladder dysfunction may become permanent. A neurophysiologic study called a SSEP (somatosensory evoked potential- median and tibial) may help determine the degree of myelopathy (spinal cord dysfunction) that you have. If your symptoms are progressive (getting worse) then you will likely need surgery. If your symptoms are improving then I would suggest the SSEP and repeat imaging, and based on the results of these tests then a decision about surgery can be made. I hope this has been helpful.
Please be advised that I am not responding to you as a physician and that I am not advising you and that what I write is not meant to be construed as medical advice or a replacement from the forum neurologist, et al.
With that said I would suggest a consideration of two non-surgical approaches:
1. The DRX9000 and you would want to google that for your locale.
2. Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic. You may want to google that for your own research.
I think that you can get around this without the use of surgery and I highly recommend the DRX.
I hope that this has been and will be helpful.
Good Luck!
JCmcc.
Do you know anyone who has had a muti level thoracic operation? I need six levels. T5 through T10. This is what scares me. But they won't get me down. No matter what happens I will get through what ever is dished to me. My faith is strong and I'm to mean to die! LOL I will repost as the news comes in. Thanks I needed your thoughts. Lois