cord displcement

[cip2112]

I was sent to private ER by VA for emergency surgery but after 18 hrs was told to go home. Cant reach VA PCP who told me to go to ER what should I do? I have serious problems in cervical and lumbar spine including severe stenosis in both. I had an anterior cervical discectomy which  the surgeon failed to remove the stenosis and bone spurs because he said couldnt reach them but did replace 3 discs with cadaver discs and put in some hardware, wants to do a posterior discectomy in the future to remove nerve compression in cervical spine.On Thusday 9-4 I had my first thoracic spine MRI which showed 1. right sided ligamentum flavum/facet osteophyte at T10 / T11 displacing the cord to the left and causing abnormal cord signal intensity 2. abnormal bone marrow signal and several nonspecific T2 signal hyperintensity lesions throughout the bone marrow of the spine. When VA PCP got these results is when sent me to Private ER. Am I in any serious danger?

[Foggy2]

The pins and needles are actually a type of loss of sensation called numbness, but you can describe this sensation to the doctor.  The fact that you have fallen concerns me, and make sure you mention this to the doctor.  

I'm glad you are pro-active and following up on things, and I agree that surgery should only be necessary if that is your last option.

Have they done a Myelogram yet?

Please keep us informed and I wish you the best of luck. :-)

[cip2112]

No brace just had wife drive me back. The MRI was done at that hospital so there wasn't a 3 month wait and the dr sent me back there because he said that's where all neurosurgery done for VA. I have all film and reports from last 8 MRI's but this was first thoracic spine one where the cord displacement was. Because I had worsening weakness In both arms (cervical nerve compression) and extreme pain left leg and lower back (lumbar cord compression) when I started getting extreme weakness, (fell 3 times), in left leg and periodic numbing Dr requested thoracic MRI. I have had no sensation loss however more like pins and needles. I'm going to walk into VA hospital today and see Dr and get neurosurgeon consult appt. Only want surgery if absolutely necessary

[Foggy2]

Why did they send you to a private ER instead of a private Neurosurgeon?  ER's are just set up to do emergency care and you need a neurosurgeon.

Did they put you in any kind of immobilizer (brace)?  Did they refer you to a neurosurgeon?  

Are you having any kind of loss of sensation to any parts of your body and if so, is it on one or both sides?

Are you having any loss of motor (movement) ability to any parts of your body, and if so, is it on one or both sides?  And is from what level of your body is it (e.g. waist down to feet).

Osteophytes (like bone spurs) can displace (push the cord out of alignment) the cord depending on the size of it/them, but it needs to be looked at by the surgeon as to how far the cord is being displaced, clinically if you are having any of the symptoms I mentioned above, and the big picture given that you have had previous surgery.

Do you have private insurance as well?  Do you have copies of your films and medical records?  If you were not referred to a neurosurgeon, I would be proactive and get on the phone and get the ball rolling.  You will also need copies of your previous surgeries and films.

Please keep us informed and know that we are hear to help you.  You don't want to be stuck in limbo with these problems.

[cip2112]

Has anyone had cord displacement? What does that mean?