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Does Central Dilatation Of Cervical Spinal Cord Cause Body Numbness?
Question: I have central dilatation of the cervical spinal cord measuring 6.2 mm in diameter that grew from 2mm in one year and I'm being told this is not the cause of my body numbness. They can not find a cause at all. Basically she thinks this in my head. Is it?
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. I reviewed those reports and it is true that it speaks of growing in diameter.
On the other it shows no signal changes in the spinal cord, so no visible damage, no causes such as tumor or anatomic abnormalities which would indicate further growth and need for surgery. So I guess what your doctor wanted to do was reassure you that there is no damage to the cord and this condition is often self contained in the absence of active causing factors.
Whether it is possible to cause your symptoms, it can not be ruled out, it can cause sensory abnormalities. Of course such abnormal sensations can often be in the setting of anxiety as well. If in doubt a test which might help in distinguishing whether those sensations are related to the spinal cord are the somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs). If normal they do not rule out cord involvement, but if positive (low amplitude and delayed responses) though they would indicate that the dilatation is responsible for those symptoms.
I hope to have been of help.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. I reviewed those reports and it is true that it speaks of growing in diameter.
On the other it shows no signal changes in the spinal cord, so no visible damage, no causes such as tumor or anatomic abnormalities which would indicate further growth and need for surgery. So I guess what your doctor wanted to do was reassure you that there is no damage to the cord and this condition is often self contained in the absence of active causing factors.
Whether it is possible to cause your symptoms, it can not be ruled out, it can cause sensory abnormalities. Of course such abnormal sensations can often be in the setting of anxiety as well. If in doubt a test which might help in distinguishing whether those sensations are related to the spinal cord are the somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs). If normal they do not rule out cord involvement, but if positive (low amplitude and delayed responses) though they would indicate that the dilatation is responsible for those symptoms.
I hope to have been of help.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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