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What Does My MRI Scan Test Report Indicate?
Question: I had an MRI on my neck done, showing C3-C4 herniation. The surgeon said he doesn't recommend surgery because it is moderate, and said that the headaches, numbness in my left arm/hand, and left foot could not be caused by this nerve. I have had some prolific nose bleeds (from the left nostril, as in puddles on the floor), daily headaches on the left side (behind the ear, and horrible), as well as some inflammation in whatever exists below to left ear, in my neck/ throat (tender all the time). I'm just looking for some guidance because they said it appears I have MS
Brief Answer:
Please attach your MRI report
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
In regard to mild herniation surgery is not advocated and refusal of neurosurgeon is completely understandable. The most basic treatment for mild C3-C4 herniation is physiotherapy and that is recommended all over the world.
The symptoms of headache and numbness in left half of body can occur in multiple sclerosis but there are number of other conditions ranging from simple anxiety to sinister pathology. I think it will be inappropriate to make some serious diagnosis (MS) before doing proper evaluation. The essential thing to diagnose is MRI brain as most of the lesions are located in periventricular areas of brain. I understand that even in neck MRI we can get lesions of MS but as per your description no lesion was there is neck MRI suggestive of MS.
Having said this I request you to provide following details.
1. Attach your MRI report with follow up query
2. How long you are having these symptoms
3. Whether the onset was gradual or sudden
4. Course of illness- steady, progressive, remitting
5. Any other symptoms like vision loss, paralysis
6. Family history of any medical illness including MS
I look forward to hear from you to understand the problem in totality so I can answer you appropriately.
Thanks and regards.
Please attach your MRI report
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
In regard to mild herniation surgery is not advocated and refusal of neurosurgeon is completely understandable. The most basic treatment for mild C3-C4 herniation is physiotherapy and that is recommended all over the world.
The symptoms of headache and numbness in left half of body can occur in multiple sclerosis but there are number of other conditions ranging from simple anxiety to sinister pathology. I think it will be inappropriate to make some serious diagnosis (MS) before doing proper evaluation. The essential thing to diagnose is MRI brain as most of the lesions are located in periventricular areas of brain. I understand that even in neck MRI we can get lesions of MS but as per your description no lesion was there is neck MRI suggestive of MS.
Having said this I request you to provide following details.
1. Attach your MRI report with follow up query
2. How long you are having these symptoms
3. Whether the onset was gradual or sudden
4. Course of illness- steady, progressive, remitting
5. Any other symptoms like vision loss, paralysis
6. Family history of any medical illness including MS
I look forward to hear from you to understand the problem in totality so I can answer you appropriately.
Thanks and regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
The MRI attached was just the neck- I have not had the brain MRI or CT scan yet.
I originally went to the orthopedic surgeon bc I thought it all stemmed from working out too aggressively, I had some major pain behind my shoulder blade, knee pain, and hip pain- all on the left. That's when I noticed the "neuropathy" consistently- so about 2 months ago? The headaches have been daily and started after the neck MRI, as did the nosebleeds.
No family history of MS, and so far the only symptoms seem to be the aforementioned. I don't think it's MS, but I'm wondering why a pinched nerve couldn't be responsible for the symptoms? That's what the neuro said "that nerve can't be responsible for the other things." I certainly am not a doctor, but I'm wondering if he was wrong?
I originally went to the orthopedic surgeon bc I thought it all stemmed from working out too aggressively, I had some major pain behind my shoulder blade, knee pain, and hip pain- all on the left. That's when I noticed the "neuropathy" consistently- so about 2 months ago? The headaches have been daily and started after the neck MRI, as did the nosebleeds.
No family history of MS, and so far the only symptoms seem to be the aforementioned. I don't think it's MS, but I'm wondering why a pinched nerve couldn't be responsible for the symptoms? That's what the neuro said "that nerve can't be responsible for the other things." I certainly am not a doctor, but I'm wondering if he was wrong?
Brief Answer:
There is no evidence of MS
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for reverting back to me.
I have reviewed the history and attached MRI report. With so far received information I am of the opinion that there is no evidence of Multiple sclerosis. The pattern of symptoms, their duration, onset and progression do not occur in multiple sclerosis and it can be ruled out with almost certainty although it is advisable to go for CT brain or preferable MRI brain as it may reveal something in right basal ganglia /internal capsule which could be responsible for all your symptoms.
I agree with your question as it has genuine base regarding symptoms and pinched nerve but I feel the kind of mild herniation with little flattening of arachnoid space (space where nerve roots reside) is not enough to cause wide spread symptoms ranging from leg to head.
There must be something which can cause such widespread symptoms and that area is brain itself particularly internal capsule.
At this stage I feel it will be appropriate to go for brain imaging as it is important to diagnose the condition properly before making any assumptions.
I hope this helps you.
If you have more questions feel free to write back to me.
If not please close the query and rate the answer for my future patients.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards.
There is no evidence of MS
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for reverting back to me.
I have reviewed the history and attached MRI report. With so far received information I am of the opinion that there is no evidence of Multiple sclerosis. The pattern of symptoms, their duration, onset and progression do not occur in multiple sclerosis and it can be ruled out with almost certainty although it is advisable to go for CT brain or preferable MRI brain as it may reveal something in right basal ganglia /internal capsule which could be responsible for all your symptoms.
I agree with your question as it has genuine base regarding symptoms and pinched nerve but I feel the kind of mild herniation with little flattening of arachnoid space (space where nerve roots reside) is not enough to cause wide spread symptoms ranging from leg to head.
There must be something which can cause such widespread symptoms and that area is brain itself particularly internal capsule.
At this stage I feel it will be appropriate to go for brain imaging as it is important to diagnose the condition properly before making any assumptions.
I hope this helps you.
If you have more questions feel free to write back to me.
If not please close the query and rate the answer for my future patients.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you!
Brief Answer:
You are always welcome
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for your compliment.
I am glad to know that information was useful for you.
If there are no follow up questions please close the session.
Wish you great health ahead.
Thanks
You are always welcome
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for your compliment.
I am glad to know that information was useful for you.
If there are no follow up questions please close the session.
Wish you great health ahead.
Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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