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What Do These MRI Findings Indicate?
Question: I had an MRI with and without contest on 10/1/15 of spine. I was diagnosed with Syringomyelia (SM) in 2008. In the past six months, my parenthesis has worsened. Ialso experience loss of bladder control from time to time and lots of bowels. When the former happens, I have on a couple of occasions not realized it.
I haven't gotten all my results back from the MRI. What I learned yesterday,
L2/L3 diffused disc
L4/L5 diffused disc
L5/S1 small central disc protrusion
S1
What is going on? I didn't have any of the above problems when my MRIs were done in 2013. My SM is located at C5, C6, T1 no surgery was warranted to date. I don't have the results back on my upper shine from 10/1.
In 2008, the Chiari Institute wanted to do Tethered Cord release. I didn't have it done.
My questions:
What is the difference between Cauda Equine Syndrome and Tethered Cord Syndrome?
The purpose of the MRI was to determine if I have CES/TCS. Do I?
-------------------------------
No I don't have a copy of my report. I asked the nurse who read my results if I did she couldn't answer it. She didn't say she read it on report.
Please help me.
Sincerely, XXXXXXX XXXX
I haven't gotten all my results back from the MRI. What I learned yesterday,
L2/L3 diffused disc
L4/L5 diffused disc
L5/S1 small central disc protrusion
S1
What is going on? I didn't have any of the above problems when my MRIs were done in 2013. My SM is located at C5, C6, T1 no surgery was warranted to date. I don't have the results back on my upper shine from 10/1.
In 2008, the Chiari Institute wanted to do Tethered Cord release. I didn't have it done.
My questions:
What is the difference between Cauda Equine Syndrome and Tethered Cord Syndrome?
The purpose of the MRI was to determine if I have CES/TCS. Do I?
-------------------------------
No I don't have a copy of my report. I asked the nurse who read my results if I did she couldn't answer it. She didn't say she read it on report.
Please help me.
Sincerely, XXXXXXX XXXX
Brief Answer:
Both conditions are treated surgically. Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Since we don't have the MRI reports or images, the answer to your question can't be complete,
However, clinically tethered cord syndrome consists on these symptoms and signs:
- lesions on the lower back ( hairy patches, fatty tumors )
- feet and spine deformities
- legs weakness
- abnormal gait
- low back pain
- urinary problems ( incontinence or retention )
Cauda equina syndrome consists on these symptoms:
- progressive weakness of legs, feet
- altered sensation of legs, feet
- loss of sensation in the "saddle" area (inner thighs, sacral area)
- urinary problems ( incontinence or retention )
- loss of rectal function
- lower back and legs pain.
Cauda equina syndrome can occur suddenly or gradually, in contrast with tethered cord syndrome wich progression is more prolonged in time ( even years ).
Tethered cord syndrome may be responsible for syringomyelia too.
According to your reports of MRI findings, diffused discs at L2/L3 and L3/L4 may cause Cauda equina syndrome, but this needs to be correlated to neurologic examination findings ( distribution of pain, weakness and sensory changes ).
If this could help, if you will be diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome and there is a correct diagnosis of previous tethered cord, you can undergo one surgical procedure to correct both conditions.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.
Both conditions are treated surgically. Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Since we don't have the MRI reports or images, the answer to your question can't be complete,
However, clinically tethered cord syndrome consists on these symptoms and signs:
- lesions on the lower back ( hairy patches, fatty tumors )
- feet and spine deformities
- legs weakness
- abnormal gait
- low back pain
- urinary problems ( incontinence or retention )
Cauda equina syndrome consists on these symptoms:
- progressive weakness of legs, feet
- altered sensation of legs, feet
- loss of sensation in the "saddle" area (inner thighs, sacral area)
- urinary problems ( incontinence or retention )
- loss of rectal function
- lower back and legs pain.
Cauda equina syndrome can occur suddenly or gradually, in contrast with tethered cord syndrome wich progression is more prolonged in time ( even years ).
Tethered cord syndrome may be responsible for syringomyelia too.
According to your reports of MRI findings, diffused discs at L2/L3 and L3/L4 may cause Cauda equina syndrome, but this needs to be correlated to neurologic examination findings ( distribution of pain, weakness and sensory changes ).
If this could help, if you will be diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome and there is a correct diagnosis of previous tethered cord, you can undergo one surgical procedure to correct both conditions.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
Answered by
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