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Neurology (Expert Forum)
MRI Results - HELP!
Answered by
Joanna Fong, MD - Stroke/NICU, multiple sclerosis, sleep, EEG, General Neurology
Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland - OH
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury
MRI Results - HELP!
by hazel999, Oct 06, 2007 10:10AM
I am new to this forum and have questions about my MRI results. What does: "minimal flattening and signal loss of the L4-5 and L5-S1 discs" mean? I've been told by one Ortho spine specialist that there is a slight buldge in one of my discs but the MRI report says "no disc herniation". Is a "slight buldge" different from a "disc herniation"?? Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by Joanna Fong, MD, Nov 29, 2007 05:10PM
, Nov 29, 2007 05:10PM
Hi hazel999,
Unfortunately, it's hard to determine your spine pathology without looking at the MRI films myself. However, "minimal flattening and signal loss of the L4-5 and L5-S1 discs" usually represents degenerative disc changes that we see with aging. Buldging of discs are commonly seen. As long as there is no disc herniation or nerve impingment/cord compression, it is most likely benign and doesn't need any treatment. Buldging of disc and disc herniation are similar, except that disc herniation is a more severe problem. Again, as long as the buldging and herniation don't impinge the spinal cord or the nerve roots, treatment is less likely warranted. If you have symptoms to suggest nerve impingement (such as weakness, shooting pain, numbness or tingling sensation), please seek medical attention immediately. Neurology department is a good place to start.
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Unfortunately, it's hard to determine your spine pathology without looking at the MRI films myself. However, "minimal flattening and signal loss of the L4-5 and L5-S1 discs" usually represents degenerative disc changes that we see with aging. Buldging of discs are commonly seen. As long as there is no disc herniation or nerve impingment/cord compression, it is most likely benign and doesn't need any treatment. Buldging of disc and disc herniation are similar, except that disc herniation is a more severe problem. Again, as long as the buldging and herniation don't impinge the spinal cord or the nerve roots, treatment is less likely warranted. If you have symptoms to suggest nerve impingement (such as weakness, shooting pain, numbness or tingling sensation), please seek medical attention immediately. Neurology department is a good place to start.
Thank you for using MedHelp forum.
THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED FOR GENERAL MEDICAL EDUCATION PURPOSE ONLY. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR PHYSICIAN FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND TREATMENT OPTIONS OF YOUR SPECIFIC MEDICAL CONDITIONS.
