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i just need my mri results translated so that I can understand what it means. Impression c5-c6 right paracentral disc extrusion with moderate ventral spinal cord flattening or compression. Multilevel neural foramen stenosis secondary to disc bony degenerative change.. MIld straightening of mid upper cervical and natural lordotic curvature...
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144586 tn?1284666164
CCFNeuroMD-JT.  That was an excellent explanation! For my two cents woth decades ago I suffered a serious spinal injury in the cervical region and everyone (Four top physicians) recommended surgery. There was disc extrusion.  The pain was unbearable and my right arm became paralyzed. I disregarded the dire warnings about what would happen if I did not have an operation and found an excellent pain specialist and began an arduous treatment protocol, the details of which are irrelevent. My only point, is that an operation MAY be necessary, but don't rush into things.
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292363 tn?1204761451
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi there-

Yes, indeed, sometimes our medical jargon can be a bit confusing but let me see if I can help translate into some understandable English.  Please recognize that MRI results must always be interpreted in the context of clinical scenario; that is, your symptoms are very important in helping we physicians determine the significance of what we see on imaging:

- “C5-C6 right paracentral disc extrusion”: The cartilaginous disc between C5 and C6 is compressed (usually from degenerative arthritic disease) and the contents are pushed into the spinal canal.  This may or may not cause problems depending on the degree of disc extrusion.

- “moderate ventral spinal cord flattening or compression”: the extruded disc is pushed into the spinal canal through which the spinal cord runs.  If the degree of herniation is severe enough, there can be impingement of the spinal cord causing symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and/or weakness.  I cannot say for certain since I am unable to review your MRI, but there is some degree of flattening or impingement along the anterior aspect of your spinal cord. Oftentimes, if there is true compression, there will be abnormal MRI signal in the region of compression.   If you are having symptoms of numbness, tingling, or weakness, you would probably benefit from seeing a spine surgeon.

-“Multilevel neural foramen stenosis secondary to disc bony degenerative change”: You have multiple areas in your spine that are affected by arthritis.  If the changes become severe enough, you may develop numbness, tingling, or weakness of the muscles/skin which are innervated by the nerve coming out of the spinal cord at that particular level.  These changes are common findings, especially in older patients, and are oftentimes asymptomatic.

-“Mild straightening of mid upper cervical and natural lordotic curvature”: This basically indicates that the normal curvature of the spine is somewhat less- i.e. straighter than normal.  Again, this phenomenon is a manifestation of the arthritic changes you have in your back.  As the flexible discs become compressed, the natural curve of the spine lessens.  Again, you may or may not be symptomatic.

I hope that I’ve helped to clarify things for you.  You should address this issues with your neurologist/neurosurgeon.  The course of management will vary based on what your symptoms are at the present time.  Good luck!
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