Re: Aracnoid Cyst or Bone Spur?

Posted By CCF Neurology MD - AY on December 30, 1998 at 16:28:48:

In Reply to: Aracnoid Cyst or Bone Spur? posted by Mitzi on December 30, 1998 at 15:23:47:






A 1 yr. ago my left leg, from my hip to my toes, went numb.  After being admitted under a "Stroke" diagnosis, I was transferred to Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit for further evaluation.  I am female, 36 (at the time), and a prime candidate for MS, I was told.  After numerous MRI's, CT Scans, and spinal tape, the Neurosurgeon informed me I had an aracnoid cyst in my T7 area of my spine.  He was all set to perform surgery until feeling started coming back into my leg.  Well my leg got better to the point I can now walk without assistance or a limp, but my leg is still somewhat numb (primarily in the joints), but at the same time is hypersensitive to touch on the surface.
A year later, I switched hospitals because of insurance and went to U of M Medical Center in Ann Arbor.  I met with Dr.'s there with my original x-rays and tests results.  The Neurosurgeon found nothing he could operate on (especially the cyst I was supposed to have).  He sent me to the Neurologist and he sent me for another MRI.  This time I was told I have a "bone spur" on the T10 area and that it could possibly go away, but the damage in my leg is permanent.
How could one surgeon be ready to operate and another find nothing looking at the same x-rays?  This seems like two totally different diagonsis.  
The only thing that really is a problem at this point is that my bladder control is not that great, and sex isn't the same with diminished feelings.
Any thoughts or recommendations?



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Thanks for your question.  It is possible that you had a spontaneous rupture
of the initially diagnosed T10 arachnoid cyst, thus explaining the period
of improved symptoms, and the absence of the cyst during the second MRI
scan.  However, if you have indeed a "bone spur"/osteophyte in the vertebral
body of that spine segment, it is unlikely that it will resolve spontaneously.
As a matter of fact, the degenerative changes associated with osteophytes
often leads to further scarring and fibrous transformations.  It is also
somewhat atypical that a lesion in the T10 region to result in bladder
control problems.  A complementary way to evaluate your possible spinal
cord impairment is an electrophysiological exam, called electromyography
(EMG).  Please discuss these possibilities with your physician.
I hope this information is useful.  Best of luck.