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What Causes Spinal Stenosis?
Question: This regarding my younger brother, Raymond. He was born special needs, was labeled as mildly mentally mentally retarded. He has a spinal stenosis running from C 3-7. Lately my mother noticed him staying in his home more than usual and it turns out that he was hiding the fact that he has been "blacking out" which was witnessed last Monday. His PCP ordered a scan to check for bleeding on the brain, which was negative. His PCP feels it is an issue of blood flow, but states the stenosis could cause dizziness but shouldn't cause the fainting/blacking out. Any thoughts would be very greatly appreciated, especially since he lives in a small town out in the country.
Brief Answer:
Such symptoms cant occur in spinal stenosis
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries
I can understand your concern. He is having mild MR and have spinal stenosis at C3-C7 level. He is showing episodes of blacking out. For his age and clinical condition a number of possible reasons can cause such symptoms.
Spinal stenosis can result in dizziness but yes, it cant cause black outs because the stenosis is below the vital structures of brain. Even after sudden fainting due to stenosis he would remain conscious. So in general this has been ruled out.
His scan came normal and there is no evidence of bleeding so any hemorrhagic or vascular cause for his symptoms can be ruled out easily.
One possible reason for his symptoms, can be altered blood supply to brain. Some times due to postural hypotension when individuals get up after lying down or after sitting for prolonged periods they may suffer sudden blacking out and fall. This occur due to lack of blood supply to brain and more blood to dependent areas like legs. Get his blood pressure checked in lying down position and then immediately in standing position. Discuss with his doctor for any evidence of postural hypotension.
Other possible reason for his symptoms is some seizure discharge from brain. He is mildly mentally retarded and a lot of individuals with MR have seizures episodes. They may show partial or generalised seizures which can present like sudden fall. Get his EEG done to rule out any evidence of seizure discharge. Look out for any abnormal movements of arms and any frothing during such episodes which can further confirm diagnosis of seizures.
Get his evaluated with his doctor if such symptoms occur again.
Thanks, I hope this helps you. Still have some doubts then please don't hesitate to ask again in follow up.
Take care
Such symptoms cant occur in spinal stenosis
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries
I can understand your concern. He is having mild MR and have spinal stenosis at C3-C7 level. He is showing episodes of blacking out. For his age and clinical condition a number of possible reasons can cause such symptoms.
Spinal stenosis can result in dizziness but yes, it cant cause black outs because the stenosis is below the vital structures of brain. Even after sudden fainting due to stenosis he would remain conscious. So in general this has been ruled out.
His scan came normal and there is no evidence of bleeding so any hemorrhagic or vascular cause for his symptoms can be ruled out easily.
One possible reason for his symptoms, can be altered blood supply to brain. Some times due to postural hypotension when individuals get up after lying down or after sitting for prolonged periods they may suffer sudden blacking out and fall. This occur due to lack of blood supply to brain and more blood to dependent areas like legs. Get his blood pressure checked in lying down position and then immediately in standing position. Discuss with his doctor for any evidence of postural hypotension.
Other possible reason for his symptoms is some seizure discharge from brain. He is mildly mentally retarded and a lot of individuals with MR have seizures episodes. They may show partial or generalised seizures which can present like sudden fall. Get his EEG done to rule out any evidence of seizure discharge. Look out for any abnormal movements of arms and any frothing during such episodes which can further confirm diagnosis of seizures.
Get his evaluated with his doctor if such symptoms occur again.
Thanks, I hope this helps you. Still have some doubts then please don't hesitate to ask again in follow up.
Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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