myelomalacia
 

Hi everyone,
I'm new to the forum but i have a few questions. I recently had a mri done with/ without contrast on my cervical spine, radiologist says myelomalacia and neurologist recommended me to a neurosurgeon. I've had these symptoms ( too long to list), for almost a year, ER thought it was related to bladder cancer they found. I had turbt surgery but it wasn't any better. I can't get to a neurosurgeon until i get medical assistance because i'm unemployed, which is taking forever. My question is what does myelomalacia do to the bladder and bowels because i am already having problems in that area will it only get worse. Any help would be appreciatef. THANKS!!!!

Hi Kim
 

Welcome to Neuro Talk. I did look up Myelomalacia. I would get those records, and give them personally to maybe a neurologist your PCP knows. Often your PCP can get you into see a neurologist even without funding. I did not have assistance either for my first surgery. I was seen none the less. There are compassionate doctors around, and it would be good if you can be seen sooner rather than later. This conditions sounds a bit scarry, and assistance can take so very long. Be assertive and get in to see someone. The doctor you are closest too, can help you. While I was waiting for assistance, I did go broke, but I am still here, and in better shape. There was a fund raiser for me though the artists guild I was a part of, so I did get some help to pay for that first surgery.. A community center may have some agency that may be able to direct you as well. A womens resource center, has access to alot of information too. I wish you all the best and hope you can get help soon. Vog Rehab also helps with getting people on their feet again. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. ginnie

Ginnie -- do you KNOW what myelomacia is? I've looked all over for it, and I need to know. I've promised someone I'd tell her if I could find it. Please let me know if you would. I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

PS -- I know that myelopathy is a disease of spinal cord or marrow, but I sure can't figure this one out. :eek: Hugs, Lee ;)

Hi. It just happens that in my MRI of 2011 and the one just done last week the report says Myelomalcia & focal cord atrophy at C4-6 levels.

The symptoms that I have been having and I think is related to the above is that I have weakess in my arms; tinling feeling at times in the finger areas. I also have radiating pain as well into the upper shoulder/arm area.

I dont think I have any bladder issues associated with the myelomalcia.

Do you know at what level the myelomalacia is on your MRI films? Its been a while since I looked up the term myelomalcia but I think it means that there is a "softening" of the spine. What else does your MRI say? Do you have the films & the narrative report?

That would be softening of the spinal CORD, correct?

It is softening of the spinal cord, i had to look it up also. My neurologist never mentioned it, he just looked of the cd and told me to see a neurosurgeon. I do have a copy of the mri and the cd, just not with me right now. I will post them when i go get them out of my car. I believe it is at the c5-c6 level with a bulging disk. I have the spastic gait, tingling fingers in both hands ( left hand worse), arms tingling from elbows down, arm weakness, arms and legs both jerk, plus incontinence. Thanks everyone!!!!

What CAUSES the softening of the spinal cord, do you know? That's sure strange. :confused: And what happens when the cord softens?

It is lack of blood in the spinal cord, due to compression or extrusion of disk. The nerves are compromised and can't function. You can't get that nerve function back once it dies but you can stop it from furthering damaging the nerves by surgery.

Hi leesa
 

Yes I do Leesa, I was able to find what it is on Google. It can cause bleeding in the cord, and does have danger with it. That is why I was encouraging the person to seek another opinion, not just to let it ride. That good soul had alot of problems with the spine, and adding this on top of it sounded like more referrals would be a good idea. Google the word, and medical sites will pop up with huge amounts of information on this. If you can't find the sites, I will try to get you the link through PM. I went to at least 4 sites for explaination. So much information, I could not relay all of it to that good person. I also didn't want to scare our friend either. Fine line to walk there. take care dear Leesa, you help so many people! ginnie

myelomalacia
 

HI.. I am new here. I had 1st MRI saying generalized myelomalacia in `07. My doc poo poo`d it. Worsening of condition and new MRI also shows myelomalacia from C 3-7. No one in health care will discuss this. I am not getting any guidance in how to slow it`s progression as i have all the symptoms from gait to bowel. Are they fearful of lawsuits or what? I feel like I have leprosy! Any suggestions?:confused: