Chronic headaches, surgeries and MRI's
 

Back in 1997 I hit my head on ice, whiplash and a few slipped discs were the result. 2 fusions later, I've been plagued on and off with chronic migraines and headaches. I'm under 2 neurologists care currently, but in the past, I've seen more than I'd care to think about.

I can't recall what my MRI in 2010 said specifically, something about ischemia. This new one that I had last week says this:

Brain w/and w/o gadolinium
1. minimal, nonspecific supratentoral white matter T2 hyperintensity may be due to chronic microvascular ischemia, migraine headaches or idiopathic causes.

2. no finding of acute infarct or mass lesion (woohoo!!!!)

Cervical spine w/o contrast
Metallic artifact related to anterior c6/7 fusion noted.
Otherwise vertebral body heights and alignment are maintained.

The upper and mid cord appear to be within the range of normal caliber. The lower cervical cord is somewhat degraded by metallic artifact.

No significant stenosis of the spinal canal or foramina from the skull base to the C7 level.

C7/T1 level: mild fact hypertrophy with minimal foraminal narrowing. No significant thecal sac stenosis.

There are small left C7 perineural cysts, unchanged.

No evidence of paravertebral soft tissue mass.

Impression:
1. Anterior C6/7 fusion
2. No findings of cervical cord or nerve root compression. (guessing that's good!)

Hello, and welcome.

Is there a question buried in there?

I won't say dump the neuros, but you might ask for a consult with a physiatrist.

I've actually had results with physical therapy helping chronic headaches/migraines that were related to cervical spine problems, but it takes a very special therapist (regardless of what the therapists tell you) that actually has the right expertise with headache. (Took me 4 tries to find the right one, and the first three over-embellished/estimated their expertise).

Doc

What about this business of "the lower cervical cord is somewhat "degraded by a metallic artifact?" What do they mean by degraded and what is that doing to the spinal cord? And why are they NOT concerned with this metallic artifact? Where did it come from?

I'd certainly be asking some questions and wanting to know what this is all about. Is it causing any symptoms, and if not, WILL IT in the future? Since it's doing SOMETHING to the spinal cord, how much MORE damage can it do?

Personally, this bothers me. It's probably nothing, but any time they mention something is doing "something" to the spinal cord, my antennae go up! :eek: I'd talk to my doctor about this, and see what he has to say. Let us know, ok? God bless & take care. Hugs, Lee ;)

Leesa,

I can't find the thread where it came up & was discussed, but are you thinking possible infection from corrosion of the artifact/hardware?

Doc

PS: Found the thread: Long-term results from Lumbar Spinal Fusion, beginning with post #34

Doc

Hello
 

I am going to suggest the same thing as Doc.smith. I go to a physiatrist. She has done more for me than three neurologists. I am on a more natural path, and to tell you the truth I feel better. If you look into this type of physician, they treat the whole person, not just a bunch of symptoms. Sometimes it is worth a change to see what another speicialty says. I wish you all the best, and hope you find some resolution. ginnie