Hand Numbness and Tingling

I had a C3-C5 spinal fusion in 1998. I started having numbness, tingling and pain in both hands in 2006. An MRI was ordered which was normal. The tingling got worse in December 2007 and had a EMG to rule out carpal tunnel. The EMG was also normal. I had another MRI on Tuesday (Jan. 23) which came back with a 3mm oval shaped high signal focus seen right of midline opposite C3 vertebral body. (myelomalaciac cyst) Radiologist conclusion: possibility of demyelinating disease.

Everything else was normal. What kind of tests should I have next? Should I see a neurosurgeon?
I am so scared! Demyelinating disease! I am 40 yrs old, healthy and have 3 young children.

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

Please do not be scared. The demyelinating disease mentioned by the radiologist is not the one we all know.

This demyelination is actually a local demyelination caused by prolonged injury (compression, loss of bleed supply) to the spine. And demyelination is one of the effects of vascular insufficiency.

Nevertheless, you should consult a Neurologist or a neurosurgeon with the MRI report.

Regards