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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Help - Anterior Compression at T8
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Help - Anterior Compression at T8
by Vince4, Nov 02, 2003 12:00AM
Hi there,
I really need someone's help.
I had a very bad dose of the flu, and as precaution my doctor sent me for some general chest X-Rays, just to make sure there was no fluid in my lungs, and no pneumonia developing.
I have just picked up the X-Rays, and won’t see my doctor until next week.
The scans say that everything is clear in terms of my lungs, etc, but coincidentally, it has found that there is “anterior compression deformity at T8 estimated at being at least 50%”.
They also say that it may not be recent, but suggest further examination will be vital.
I have just turned 20. Am a male, and cannot recall being involved in any major accident. Additionally, I cannot really feel any noticeable pain.
Speaking with my doctor over the phone, my dad was told that if I were to be referred to a specialist, surgery will be inevitable.
The doctor has pretty much suggested that I shouldn't worry about it until I'm 60 years old, and that I should just get on with my life as if it is a non-existent problem. I don't agree with the doctor.
I am only 20 years old and cannot risk further serious injury. Also, I have read that a possible complication of anterior compression if untreated is potential neurological deficit. Is this true?
I am anxious to find out what anterior compression is, and resources on the Internet have been either startling, or confusing.
Also, what remedies are available? Surgically, or otherwise? Has anyone had a similar problem? Also, what complications can there be?
Your explanation will be very much appreciated.
V
I really need someone's help.
I had a very bad dose of the flu, and as precaution my doctor sent me for some general chest X-Rays, just to make sure there was no fluid in my lungs, and no pneumonia developing.
I have just picked up the X-Rays, and won’t see my doctor until next week.
The scans say that everything is clear in terms of my lungs, etc, but coincidentally, it has found that there is “anterior compression deformity at T8 estimated at being at least 50%”.
They also say that it may not be recent, but suggest further examination will be vital.
I have just turned 20. Am a male, and cannot recall being involved in any major accident. Additionally, I cannot really feel any noticeable pain.
Speaking with my doctor over the phone, my dad was told that if I were to be referred to a specialist, surgery will be inevitable.
The doctor has pretty much suggested that I shouldn't worry about it until I'm 60 years old, and that I should just get on with my life as if it is a non-existent problem. I don't agree with the doctor.
I am only 20 years old and cannot risk further serious injury. Also, I have read that a possible complication of anterior compression if untreated is potential neurological deficit. Is this true?
I am anxious to find out what anterior compression is, and resources on the Internet have been either startling, or confusing.
Also, what remedies are available? Surgically, or otherwise? Has anyone had a similar problem? Also, what complications can there be?
Your explanation will be very much appreciated.
V
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS, Nov 07, 2003 12:00AM
I would recommend that you have this evaluated further, and try and determine a cause for the fracture. Compression frctures of the spine can cause compression on the spinal cord and cause neurologic symptoms is some patients. A MRI of the spine would be reasonable to evlaute for possible causes, which could include trauma or inappropriate bone strength from various causes. Depending on what further tests revealed then a treatment plan could be arranged. A consultation with a neurosurgeon would be a good starting point. Good luck.
I understand your worrys. I've been thru the same conditions. When I was a teenager, I ran cross country track. One day I was running at a state park in Iowa, and, in the classic runner's daze, ran off a 30 foot cliff.
.
Doctors diagnosed the same thing, Anterior Compression at T8. They told me not to worry unless it got worse. It did.
.
I waited too long. By the time I got tired of the constant back pain and discomfort, it was almost too late. The disc between T8 and T9 had ruptured in the fall (or shortly there after) and it was starting to press against the spinal cord.
.
I was lucky, I can still walk (sort of). Don't just let it go and hope for eventual relief. It won't come. See a specialist, and follow his/her recommendations. You may be lucky, it may not be a problem, but if there could be a problem, see to it now. Don't wait like I did.
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Best of luck,
Cuthbert