Got my c-spine MRI result... Really scared!!

**New-disc** · 12-18-2009, 12:14 PM

Originally Posted by skrwolf

What a weird appointment. I went to see a neurosurgeon. He walked in, introduced himself, and said that he had no idea what the radiologist was talking about. He said that he looked at my MRI's and only saw a minor bulge - no compression or atrophy of the cord. He said that he just couldn't understand what the radiologist saw.

He did do an exam... My reflexes were 2+ and I had a positive Hoffman's sign on the left. I told him that I had been worried about what was going on and he basically said to stop worrying about what I have and that maybe I need to see a psychiatrist.

What the heck? I have never been so confused. He was a very odd man. Should I seek a second opinion? I do have an appointment with a neurologist on the 29th... I've seen him before and trust him. I was really hoping to come out with answers and only came out more confused!!

I'd seek more than 1 opinion.

Please keep us posted!!

Todd

**Justin** · 12-18-2009, 12:48 PM

Hi Shelly,

Sorry about the added confusion to your situation. There's no need to be rude to Spine Patients--I wish your surgeon was more tactful and sympathetic. I would definitely get multiple opinions regarding your situation.

Good luck and keep us posted.

**Kris-NY** · 12-19-2009, 10:16 PM

HI

I would definately suggest a second opinion. I would also call the radiologist and tell them what the doctor said. I had something similar and the surgeon called the radiologist. The doctor still didn't believe the radiologist after they talked. I went to another surgeon and it took him about 10 minutes to find the spot the radiologist was talking about. Mine is a spot that is rarely injured so everyone skips it. End of story the second doctor said the radiologist was very skilled to have seen the problem.

Some times radiologists and doctors will exagerate results and reports because they think you need more problems for a lawsuit or that you want a certain surgery. That first surgeon that I saw said "at least you have something more for your lawsuit".

Good Luck

**KBear** · 12-20-2009, 05:21 AM

Definitely get a second opinion. I would suggest 3 or more opinions before making a final decision on anything. Surgeons do 'read' MRI's differently than radiologists, as this is common. I know my MRI said my facets were moderate to severe bad and all 4 surgeons (3 of whom are very well known and great ADR surgeons) I have seen, felt they were mild to moderate and still good enough for ADR.

**cheryl stewart** · 12-28-2009, 02:00 PM

Shelly,

After careful read of your information, I would agree with Justin and go to the neurosurgeon vs the neurologist. But be sure to ask questions. What are ALL of my options? What type of proceedures do you use to fix these conditions? Do you do any minimally invasive? If so, can you do that for me? I could kick myself for not asking enough questions before sugery. It helps with the healing process if you know what to expect and so forth...

As for permanent injury...Your doctor can do a series of office exams, reflexes, EMG, NCS, and these will give them a better idea. I was having myeoclonic jerks and my arms and legs, weakness, numbnees, difficulty walking, and now I am better. It's not totally healed, but it's not permanently damaged. So keep possitive. The body can do amazing things. You would almost have to have a tear or rupture of your cord to have any thing permanent.

Finally, it never hurts to get a second opinion before surgery either. That way you can make a better decision.

God bless,

Cher