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Having Stiff Neck, Sudden Tinnitus, Pain In Back, Neck And Ear. MRI Of Cervical Scan Done

Posted on Fri, 10 May 2013

Question: Hi,

I am having stiff neck, slight back and neck pain, sharp pain behind ears, slight pressure in ears, sudden tinnitus for few seconds in either ear for last 3 weeks. Alight dizziness when I turn my neck, and in the morning.
My orthopedic suggested an MRI of cervical spine. I had it done yesterday, but, the report will come on monday.
I am attaching the snapshots from the CD herewith. Please suggest if anything can be found from these snapshots.

Thanks and Regards,
XXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Visvanathan K (6 hours later)

Hi XXXXXXX

To answer your question, the images you have attached do not revel anything to suggest a spinal cord compression. However, the formally report from a radiologist who has looked at the entire dataset in detail is important. Also, based on your symptoms you need to be assessed by a neurologist to rule out an origin in the brain. He would probably ask for further scans after examining you.

Hope this helps.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Visvanathan K (3 hours later)

Hi Doctor,

Do these symptoms seem serious? I have had no history of headaches.
My ENT had suggested MRI of Brain and Audiory Canal. It'll be done today.

I'll send you its pictures as well.
It takes many days for formal report to arrive here.

Thanks and Regards,
XXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Visvanathan K (2 hours later)

Hi XXXXXXX

I do not think the symptoms indicate anything sinister. However, I urge you to wait for the MRI and would recommend a Neurologist consultation. I would be happy to look at the MRI pictures when they arrive.

Hope this helps.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Visvanathan K (4 hours later)

Hi Doctor,

I had my MRI done today. I have created teh pdf of the images
Attaching the report BrainScan.pdf

Please guide further.

Thanks and Regards,
XXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Visvanathan K (2 hours later)

Hi XXXXXXX

Thank you for sending me the images. I dont see any major sinister features on the scan, but the caveat is that it is the radiologist who has the benefit of better quality images on his screen and also is the person who will look at all the images and give a final opion. Therefore, I again urge you to wait for the formal report, even if it takes some time. Also, once you have the report, I would encourage you to seek a referral to a Neurologist who can assess you clinically and review the scans and prescribe appropriate medications. I am sure you will get relief from medicines.

Hope this helps?

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Visvanathan K (9 minutes later)

Hi Doctor,

My main concern is that there should be nothing serious.
If there is nothing serious, it'll relieve me of a lot of pressure and also, I can concentrate more on getting new treatments.
When doctors say that you should get an MRI of brain done, it always scares you.

Thanks and Regards,
XXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Visvanathan K (58 minutes later)

Dear XXXXXXX

Most scans done don't reveal anything sinister. The reason doctors ask for them in some conditions are to reassure the patient t and themselves that there is nothing sinister lurking underneath! Then the patients can give time for the medicines to work. In your case ease wait for a few more days for the radiologist to confirm my opinion and if you need any explanation of the medical jargon in the radiology report I will be happy to help.

Hope this helps.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Visvanathan K (19 hours later)

Hi Doctor,

The Cervical Spine MRI report came today. It says following:
Small marginal Postarolateral Osteophytes at C5-C6 and C6-C7 levels, narrowing mildly the exit foramina.
Hamengioma involving D2 vetebral body.
Otherwise, unremarkable

Thanks and Regards,
XXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Visvanathan K (5 hours later)

Hi XXXXXXX

essentially the report says that at 2 levels in your neck there are some wear and tear changes which are causing some minimal narrowing of the opening through which some of the spinal nerves exit. Also at the 2nd thoracic vertebra there is something called a haemangioma. To cut the long story short- this means there is nothing significantly alarming on your scans and that should be reassuring. However, equally the scans havent pointed to any cause for your symptoms.

Hope this helps.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Visvanathan K (41 minutes later)

So Dr,

What should be the next step for me?
What course of treatment should I pursue?
Also, whats this Haemangioma thing? Can I ignore it?
I hope its not something which happened suddenly and started causing this pain.

Answered by Dr. Visvanathan K (9 hours later)

Hi XXXXXXX

The next course of action for you would be to wait for the MRI Brain report as well, continue the medications you are currently on for your symptoms. The hemangioma is like a birthmark in your spine. Nothing needs to be done about it. In the rare circumstances it can bleed and cause compression- and only in this case it needs some intervention. In the vast majority of cases, nothing needs to be done about it. It is certainly not the cause of your symptoms.

Hope this helps.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar