Recent MRI

[AkilahCharles]

I am 32 years old. For the last 8 months I have been having severe neck pain with migraines which eventually worsened and was accompanied by muscle spasms in the back and thighs with lower and uper extremeties weakness. An full spine and brain MRi was done and the findings were. ' Brain - The pituitary gland however lines tjhe floor of the sella and the remainder of the sella being filled with CSF space. Appearances of an empty sella.' 'Spine - Minimal disc space narrowing at the L5/S1 level indicates early disc bulge indenting the central anterior aspect of the thecal sac causing significant spinal canal, lateral recess and neural foraminal stenosis. Incidental finding in view of the cervical spine and of the subcutaneous tissues of the upper neck and skull base demonstrate multiple superficial lymph nodes bilaterally.'

Please tell me what is the significance of these findings as my doctors have not been able to give me a straight answer to date. Any help you can give would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[Ken_PA]

Hi, you should look at the nodes as a clue as to what is causing your main condition - so that tends toward autoimmune or inflammatory, and not lymphoma. The nodes are just a side issue for you.

[AkilahCharles]

they have not really explained anything as they said they do not know what is the cause for the spasms which are so bad that at times it causes my legs to collapse from under me. As well as I have had times when one leg or arm would just go numb and would be of no use and then would slowly go bakc to almost normal. When I presented with the spasms what the doctors were looking for was MS the MRI ruled that out for them so they are currently investigating for a neurological problem or auto immune but so far no proper explanation has been given as the findings of the MRI do not account for the magnitude of the pain nor the temporary parylsis in my limbs.

[Mochadelicious]

In general, it sounds like you have a bulging disc (which is probably what is causing your symptoms).  You've probably already figured that part out and are mostly inquiring about the last line of the report?  I think superficial lymph nodes just means they were apparent in the scan.  I don't think they were necessarily enlarged or a cause for concern.  What was your doctors explanation?