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What Does The Following MRI Report Indicate?

Posted on Tue, 13 Oct 2015

Question: Thank you, Dr. Bain - I believe you answered my query appropriately. I did have a MRI, but haven't had a follow up appointment with the neurosurgeon, only the pain management doctor who does believe my problem could be from my spinal cord. The Arachnoid cyst that was removed 16 years ago is growing back; therefore, it could be the culprit of my tailbone pain. He wants me to have an epidural injection for the pain. I have mixed emotions about that, as it's short term, and I'm afraid of more nerve damage, do you agree? Thanks again. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I think his opinion is worth trying

Detailed Answer:
hi and thanks for query

I do understand perfectly how disturbing this could be. a difficult decision to take for sure.

i am afraid epidural injections when done well will not cause nerve damage. this could be a good option as you wait to see your neurosurgeon.

I think you really need not bother that Much about the risk of nerve damage with these epidural injections. no worries

thanks and kind regards as I wish you the best of health

Dr Bain

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (23 hours later)

Thank you for your reply, Dr. Bain. I just have mixed emotions about the epidural injection, as I feel it's just short term, then I would be back to 'square one.' The thought of being numbed scares me!
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are not going back to square one

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX and thanks for the follow up question.

it'd but normal to have such fears. But with regards to the fact that epidural injections are short term their effects and impact remain up to months after the injection. I think numbness here should not scare you as such.

the risk of nerve damage when done by a skilled practitioner is extremely low.

thanks and kind regards as I wish you the best of health.

Dr Bain

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad