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What Does My MRI Scan Test Report Indicate?
Question: HI, I recently had an MRI that states I have severe bilateral foraminal narrowing at C5-C6, moderate3 bilateral foraminal narrowing at C3-C4 and on the right at C4-C5. I am scheduled for an injection this next week of a steroid at the area mentioned. I am trying to decide if I want to have surgery on my neck and I am concerned how dangerous the surgery is and also, how dangerous the injection is.
Brief Answer:
Surgery depends on severity of symptoms.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Regarding to MRI results, it is true that neural structures of your neck are severely compressed.
The most important thing to consider about having surgery or not, besides MRI findings, are your symptoms ( pain, numbness, ability to carry on working and daily activities), so if moderate to severe symptoms that interfere with your living, surgery should be considered seriously.
Surgery succeed in improving condition in about 95% of cases like yours.
Risks are the same with the risks of any major surgery and include anesthesia complications, wound infections etc.
An important aspect before considering surgery is your heart and lungs function.
Injections around the nerve roots or epidural injections usually result in temporary improvement of symptoms, only few patients remain symptom free for a long time ( years).
Risks of injections in experienced hands are minimal or theoretical.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Take care.
Surgery depends on severity of symptoms.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Regarding to MRI results, it is true that neural structures of your neck are severely compressed.
The most important thing to consider about having surgery or not, besides MRI findings, are your symptoms ( pain, numbness, ability to carry on working and daily activities), so if moderate to severe symptoms that interfere with your living, surgery should be considered seriously.
Surgery succeed in improving condition in about 95% of cases like yours.
Risks are the same with the risks of any major surgery and include anesthesia complications, wound infections etc.
An important aspect before considering surgery is your heart and lungs function.
Injections around the nerve roots or epidural injections usually result in temporary improvement of symptoms, only few patients remain symptom free for a long time ( years).
Risks of injections in experienced hands are minimal or theoretical.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
Answered by
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