HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Does My Lumbar MRI Scan Report Indicate?

default
Posted on Mon, 9 Nov 2015
Question: Dear Sir
Can you look at the scan attached (Lumbar) and see if you can compare it to previous reports. Thanks
I have a consultant visit Thursday so I am anxious to have your opinion asap. I had an epidural three weeks ago but unsuccessful. Do you see lateral recess stenosis.. symtpoms are cramping in the front and backs of the legs and in the groin and inbetween...this is obviously a multilevel disc issue which concerns me...any suggests on the next approach.could this be coming from my neck...let me know if you require any further informatation.tks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please attach the reports with radiologist's opinion.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
There are no reports attached to this query. The cramping in legs and thigh is not related to the cervical spine issue. This is due to degenerative changes at multiple levels in the lumbar spine. Even if the epidural has not provided any relief you can take rest and get muscle relaxants prescribed for acute pain relief. Regular physiotherapy can help ion the long term.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (56 minutes later)
Thanks. I dealt with u before. .I am not attached to a PC. I sent my scan take today to Dr neural XXXXXXX Can u see it on the sys. Otherwise I will send it tomorrow. .Thanks I found you very good before
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Mild improvement is seen.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
I have seen the reports you sent to Dr. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX These lumbar spine scans show foraminal stenosis and there is just a mild improvement since July. It may be associated with more of symptomatic improvement.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)
the symtoms are actually much worse and pain in both legs.. cramping..front and back of thighs...is there any compression from any of the other discs...
also..is this stenosis..as such..are any of the issues in the neck causing this.. I had an epidural on three weeks ago.. but it did not work...it is eleven weeks now..i am meeting my surgeon on Thursday.. any questions in relation to further questions that should be asked if he suggests surgery.. he mention that the last time that there was lateral recess stenosis bilaterially from L4L5..thanks..i do not want to have a surgery with multiple disc issues..this is very important to me thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Lumbar traction can help.

Detailed Answer:
This is not related to the neck issues. There is not much of stenosis to cause this severe symptoms. It is more likely to be a nerve root irritation. Medicines like Pregabalin or gabapentin can help you.
Surgery is not immediately needed as there is no muscle weakness. The nerve pain that you have can be controlled with medicines. You can ask about lumbar traction for a few days on your next visit.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (52 minutes later)
thanks - out of interest.. if surgery is contemplated..what surgery would you suggest with compression on multiple discs.. are there any other test s you would suggest .. thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (55 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Disc decompression will help.

Detailed Answer:
In case surgery is needed then disc decompression will be the best option. Rest depends on the severity of symptoms and surgical approach.
You can get a nerve conduction velocity tested to assess any nerve damage.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (7 hours later)
If there is no nerve damage but only neural tension. is it worth the risk.. do you think the compression is bad enough..do you think it could all settle down...thanks...the symtoms I am experiencing seem to be coming from three discs as I understand the symtoms of each disc level.. if surgery is contemplated could this mean fusion.. thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (25 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Surgery should not be considered for such minor changes.

Detailed Answer:
It is more likely just a neural tension and surgery should not be considered so early. This can settle down with medicines and proper care.
Fusion is needed in severe nerve root compression. In your case fusion is not likely.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (48 hours later)
Hi
I attended my Surgeon today. He said that he could do what was called a laminotmy on the L4L5 disc and the L3L4 disc. There is no nerve damage as yet. The only risk he thought in relation to surgery was the annular tears..this could be causing the pain.. surgery could make my situation worse. Is there any other cure for anular tears. Also he examined my neck.. he mentioned that there was muscle wasting in the hands...
is this dangerous...thanks.. also can you explain what a lamintotomy is
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Laminotomy is a safe procedure.

Detailed Answer:
Laminotomy is the removal of a small portion of the lamina and ligaments that forms the posterior covering of the spine, usually on one side. Using this method the natural support of the lamina is left in place, decreasing the chance of postoperative spinal instability.
It relieves the compression on the disc and the nerves and relieves the pain. It is a safe procedure and is associated with least complications.
Foraminotomy can also be done along with this in case there is any foraminal stenosis detected.
Annular tears usually heal with conservative treatment. The pain does not progress with rest.
Regards.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12310 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Does My Lumbar MRI Scan Report Indicate?

Brief Answer: Please attach the reports with radiologist's opinion. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. There are no reports attached to this query. The cramping in legs and thigh is not related to the cervical spine issue. This is due to degenerative changes at multiple levels in the lumbar spine. Even if the epidural has not provided any relief you can take rest and get muscle relaxants prescribed for acute pain relief. Regular physiotherapy can help ion the long term. I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Praveen Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal