Spinal Diagnosis

[george1591]

I've had a recent non-contrast MRI and one of findings are degenerative disc disease and facet osteoarthritis with disc space narrowing, endplate sclerosis and osteophytosis throughout, most severe at L-1-2, L3-4 and L4-5.  The conus medullaris terminates at T12 with the known, cervical thoracic syrinx extending to this level.  Can some help me with this is more laymen terminology or how serious this is?

[Dr Sharma]

Hello dear and welcome to the medhelp forum. What are your clinical symptoms? Why was the MRI spine done in the first place? Degenerative disc disease at the disc levels, L1-L2, L3-L4 and L4-L5. These could cause sensory and motor symptoms, pain,tingling, numbness and weakness of legs. The conus medullaris is the terminal end of the spinal cord and occurs at L1/L2 level normally. There is a mention of cervical thoracic syrinx extending until T12. syringomyelia is the development of fluid filled cavity in the spinal cord. There can be sensory, motor and autonomic deficits due to this condition. Consult your neurologist for a detailed clinical assessment and correlation with the MRI findings. Wish you all the best. Take care.

[deadmemory]

I have multilevel degenerative disc disease in my cervical spine, I think it is when the disc starts breaking down, and the aging process can be to blame. However, while I was admitted as an in patient in the hospital recently the house neurologist said that it is common for patients with Chiari malformation to develop DDD. She said it could be from the lack of CSF due to obstruction. I have heard of the other issues you mentioned but I don't really know what it means.
I am sorry I cannot be of more help to you! Hope you find the answers to your questions soon,

Take care,
Krystal