Quix..can you look at my MRI results....

had my C spine done on Sat...I made them do it on a 3T machine...just so nothing was missed...and it came back with what looks like spinal stenosi to me...can that diagnosis really cause my problems of being off balance, numbness, muscle twitching, and shaky hands...(the neuro thinks I may have essential tremor for the hands portion) but can spinal stenosis cause all of that??  here is the report...

No comparison films are available. Multiplanar cervical spine MRI shows

loss of normal cervical lordosis without focal kyphosis. Alignment is
otherwise unremarkable. No marrow signal abnormalities are evident on
STIR sequences to indicate fracture or neoplasm. Cervical spinal cord is

normal in size, contour and signal intensity. No focal lesions within the

spinal cord. No abnormal paraspinal or epidural fluid collections.
Intravertebral disc desiccation is demonstrated from C2-3 through C5-6,
compatible with degenerative disc disease. There is no central canal or

neuroforaminal narrowing at the C1-2 level. Axial sequences obtained
through the remainder of the cervical spine show the following:

C2-3: Normal.

C3-4: Minimal broad-based disc bulge is present without central canal or

neuroforaminal narrowing.

C4-5: Normal.

C5-6: Prominent right paracentral broad-based disc bulge that narrows the

AP diameter of the central canal to 8 millimeters. Although the dorsal
CSF space is preserved, there is mild flattening deformity of the right
half of the cord at this level without cord signal abnormality. Mild
right neuroforaminal narrowing is present. Left neural foramen is open.


C6-7: No central canal or neuroforaminal narrowing.

C7-T1: No central canal or neuroforaminal narrowing.

CONCLUSION:

1. C5-6 moderate right paracentral disc bulge causing a flattening
deformity of the right half of the cord without cord signal abnormalities.

This flattening deformity occurs even though there is no effacement of the

dorsal CSF space. This also causes right neuroforaminal narrowing.
2. The remainder of the cervical spine is unremarkable.

thanks in advance quix...and anyone else who is looking!!!

[Lulu54]

You may want to post this over on the neurology board on medhelp - there are several medical people and doctors there who seem to always be willing to talk about mri results.

Good luck - its pretty much Greek to me,
Laura

[Fluffysmom]

Hi there,

I think Laura has a good idea; try the ask a doctor part of the neurology forum; they only answer so many questions a day, so get it in early.  I'm not sure what days or hours they work, but I've gotten good answers there, and replies when I've asked more questions.

Quix is feeling a little under the weather right now, a flu and some vertigo, and it is unclear how soon she would be able to get back to you.  I'm sure there are some others here with some ideas about your MRI, but I would also try the ask a doctor neurology forum, if I were you.

How soon do you see your neuro for your next appointment when you can discuss these findings?  I hope you find some answers soon, I know it can be frustrating to wait and wonder.

I don't know enough to help with answers, but I can empathize; my first neuro said my tremors were physiological, brought on by stress.  My second neuro said they were benign essential tremors.  I'm now seeing an MS specialist, and am still waiting for answers.

Good luck, and feel better.

Kathy

[jensequitur]

My personal opinion is that with so many problems with the spine, it would be logical to assume that your symptoms are a result of that damage.  

Balance issues come from the spinal nerves - if the spinal cord is affected, you can lose your sense of balance.  You can also have numbness and lack of muscle control in your hands, as all those nerves go to the spine first, before they go to the brain.  

[JoelleB1]

Quix...glad to see you back...hope your feeling better...can you take a look at my MRI.  thanks!!!