Progressive Myelomalacia

[StephanieGhosh]

I am a 45 yr old woman who was diagnosed 3.5 years ago with severe Fibromyalgia and Multiple Sclerosis. At that time, I had a C-Spine MRI which showed a small demyelinating lesion.  Nothing else was noted.

A few months ago, I started having sensations in my right leg and foot, severe pain around my rib cage, upper back pain, constant neck pain, etc.  My neurologist had another C-Spine MRI done a few weeks ago.  The lesion has remained stable, but the report shows progressive myelmalacia.  The actual verbiage was "Progressive central linear cord signal abnormality and degenerative changes consistent with progressive myelomalacia when compared to prior study."  There was mentioned in the report that there was "linear symmetric abnormal cord signal and loss of cord bulk, likely secondary to chronic myelomalacia due to multilevel spondylosis...'.

How can progressive myelomalacia be treated?  Can it be slowed down?

Can spondlosis be reversed, treated, cured?

What is the "typical" progression of this/these condition(s)?

Any information is greatly appreciated. :)

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

Myelomalacia can be halted by judicious use of medication. Since you have MS, the demyelination may be playing a major role in the progression of the condition. Your spinal cord is losing its neurons. The lost neurons can not be recovered. Humans do not have the ability to generate new nerve cells.

The progression varies in individuals. If you have a fast progression type, the myelomalacia may not halt easily. There has to be an aggressive approach from your treating neurologist.

Usually, the progression goes on over years. MS itself has different types of progression patterns. Some have relapsing remitting type, while other have progressive relapsing type and the like. With each relapse, the malacia may progress a bit and be stable, waiting for the next relapse.

Regards

[StephanieGhosh]

What would YOU suggest as an aggressive approach?  I would like to bring as many alternatives to the table as possible when I speak with my neurologist this Wednesday.

Thank you for your time and previous response.  Your expertise is GREATLY appreciated! :)

[lthillem]

Yesterday I received a pretty frightening phone call from my rheumatologist.  She had reviewed my most recent MRI films while she was recooperating from her own spinal surgery.  I had recently told her that I was diagnosed with a myelomalacia.  I found out about this condition less than 1 year ago.  However, she found out that it showed up on an MRI taken a whole year previous to this.  No one had ever informed me at that time that it was there.  She told me that it has increased in size from 4mm to 6mm in 1 years time.  She is setting up another MRI for me as it has been approximately 1 year again since the last.  She said after the reading, she will most likely refer me to a neurologist.  I am looking for some helpful information due to the fact that at the moment I feel completely in the dark.  I currently experience chronic headaches, shoulder pain, numbness in my right calf and in my toes on my right foot.  Occasionally, experience dizzy spells, suffer from migraines and have also been diagnosed with fibromyalgia.  Do you have any suggestions for me?
Much Appreciated!