Kathi49
01-18-2009, 03:56 PM
Hi All,
I figured I would post this here since Dr. Steve is good about answering the questions. :D But I also thought someone else might know as well.
Anyway, long story short; NS ordered a cervical MRI w/ and w/out contrast which I had done yesterday. And he did so because of ongoing and worsening arm pain plus the fact my last scan was done in 2007. I wasn't able to get a CD but have the films. First I want to say I am no good at reading the axial views at all. The other views show bulges/herniations at C4/C5 and C6/C7. Ooops, should have added that they are pressing on the thecal sac. But my question is...
The pics with the contrast show the spinal cord area as very dark from the C3/C4 to C5/C6. The rest of the cord looks as it would on any MRI; kind of whitish/grayish. Would anyone know why it looks darker in those other particular areas? I have had the two fusions and have seen those show up as artifacts; just have never seen the cord look dark like that before. So, just curious.
Oh, and I figure I am posting this too soon; will wait to see what my NS has to say but it doesn't look very good. Shoot, I am hoping he will say get another EMG. :D So, just trying to remain "chin up" until I know more. Thanks!
Darn it forgot one more thing. He had wanted to do a Myelogram but backed way off when I told him about the Central Pain/Central Sensitization deal. So, he chose the MRI instead.
I figured I would post this here since Dr. Steve is good about answering the questions. :D But I also thought someone else might know as well.
Anyway, long story short; NS ordered a cervical MRI w/ and w/out contrast which I had done yesterday. And he did so because of ongoing and worsening arm pain plus the fact my last scan was done in 2007. I wasn't able to get a CD but have the films. First I want to say I am no good at reading the axial views at all. The other views show bulges/herniations at C4/C5 and C6/C7. Ooops, should have added that they are pressing on the thecal sac. But my question is...
The pics with the contrast show the spinal cord area as very dark from the C3/C4 to C5/C6. The rest of the cord looks as it would on any MRI; kind of whitish/grayish. Would anyone know why it looks darker in those other particular areas? I have had the two fusions and have seen those show up as artifacts; just have never seen the cord look dark like that before. So, just curious.
Oh, and I figure I am posting this too soon; will wait to see what my NS has to say but it doesn't look very good. Shoot, I am hoping he will say get another EMG. :D So, just trying to remain "chin up" until I know more. Thanks!
Darn it forgot one more thing. He had wanted to do a Myelogram but backed way off when I told him about the Central Pain/Central Sensitization deal. So, he chose the MRI instead.