MRI Findings for Cervical and Thoracic/ what does this sound like for treatment??

I just got my results back on my 2 MRIs.. Could someone explain to me what they are saying, just want to clear my mind while waiting to get into the specialist. Thanks!

Thoracic MRI

Findings- No marrow edema. A thin syrinx is fairly long. It is subtle at the T1 and T2 levels, though easily visible beginning at the T5 level.  It extends down to the conus.

At T8-T9 a let paracentral disc protrusion causes subtle cord flattening.


Cervical MRI Results

Findings- Motion artifact significantly limits assessment of cord signal.  C3-C4 shows mild disc bulge.  C4-C5 is normal.

C5-C6 shows a broad disc protrusion causing subtle diffuse cord flattening.

C6-C7 shows mild disc bulge.

C7-T1 shows a small left paracentral disc protrusion causing mild thecal sac effacement.

High T2 signal suggest a possible syrinx within the cord beginning at the C5 level.


Any help would be great!! Thanks so much for your time!

[selmaS]

Hi...well a syrinx or syringomyelia is many times a congenital condition....u had it since birth.However, it can be the result of also having another related condition called Chiari malformation. U would need a MRI of ur brain to know if u have this as well.

Have u ever been in a MVA?...as a syrinx can also be acquired from an injury.

It is important to know which u have and then to monitor it to be sure it is not growing.

There is a Chiari malformation forum here on MedHelp, and we have members with syringomyelia (syrinx)...that will be willing to share info and support.
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Chiari-Malformation/show/257?camp=msc

"selma"

[Kalvin]

It would be really helpful if you could post a little bit about your pain and symptoms.

[Kalvin]

I saw your post on another forum and you listed your symptoms.

Thoracic MRI

No marrow edema: Edema means swelling caused by fluid in your body's tissues.

A thin syrinx: A syrinx is a cyst; some expand and lengthen over time. Some people have symptoms that worsen and others may have a fairly stable syrinx and no symptoms.

At T8-T9 a let paracentral disc protrusion: You have a disc protrusion (type of herniation, that hasn’t ruptured) causes subtle cord flattening. (The disc protrusion is subtly or mildly flattening your spinal cord)

Cervical MRI Results

At C3-4 you have a minor disc bulge (General pushing out of a spinal disc, extending the disc from its normal position. Considered a normal occurrence with age.)

C5-C6 shows a broad disc protrusion causing subtle diffuse cord flattening
This level is similar to the situation you have at T8-9.

C6-C7 shows mild disc bulge. Same as C3-4

C7-T1 shows a small left paracentral disc protrusion causing mild thecal sac effacement.
You have protrusion at this level that’s mildly (rubbing out, pushing) the thecal sac, the thecal sac encloses the spinal canal. This isn’t anything to worry about.

High T2 signal suggest a possible syrinx within the cord beginning at the C5 level.
This has to deal with the syrinx again and a signal change on the MRI

It’s really hard to know exactly what’s causing your misery, I’m sure the cord compression has something to do with it. I don’t know much about syrinxes or how you determine if their symptomatic or not. Follow Selma’s link, she knows a lot about this and I’m sure she would gladly help.

Anti- inflammatory meds and muscle relaxants are fine, but you need something for pain, call and get them to prescribe you something.


Take Care