Does impingement on neural foramen mean that there is spinal stenosis?
Thanks

Sometimes--I think I responded to you on another post regarding cyst?

Sometimes yes --if its from herinations or disc in the spine start to degenerate and make the foreman more narrow. If yours is from the cyst its not ness permanent stenosis-- like from spine disease. The neural foreman is the hole on both right and left side of a disc where the nerve passes thru -----it can get blocked from herinations or brown growth or ddd disease. I think you have impingement caused from the the cyst.

This is on other discs in my c-spine, not caused by the cyst. I have multilevel disc disease according the MRI report...but I'm not sure if that means degenerative disc disease (DDD) like you mentioned or something else.

Yes then you do have stenosis ---dont worry unless the disc press the spinal cord - stenosis also happens with age. I will say this I think you should get a few consults 2 or 3 . Are you in alot of pain ??

I will say this, I feel like there is more risk than benefits to any back surgery for me, at the moment. While I am in pain, I've been dealing with it for years. I think that one reason I went to the dr with this again is because my hubby is worried I will be holding my son one day and that I might drop him because of my arm. I don't feel that is a fair fear for my hubby to have and so I told him I would go to get my neck addressed by Drs. But yes, I am in pain, but I think the risks still outweigh the benefits when it comes to surgery.

I agree 100% i had no choice --i had acdf in 2010 on c4 thru c7 but all 4 disc were spinal cord compressed. Without surgery I was be parlyzed. I have no regrets but I also didnt feel I had a choice either --lol--kinda made it easy. What if its the cyst causing the prob --did they ever tell you the size? It may be a simple not invasive procedure to drain it but I would seek out the best neuro surgeon u could find. Seek 2-3 surgery for anything should be last resort.

The Neurosurgeon's office has my MRI report and have reviewed it and as soon as they get the needed information/impression from the Dr then they'll cal me to set up the new patient appointment.

Anyone tell me what this appointment will consist of, so that I have an idea of what to expect?

Make sure neuro has all your scans or you will need to get them and bring them mri or cat scans etc...this is a good question--because i was in so much pain-- I could hardly focus at the time. Its pretty straight forward --ck your reflexes,stength, touch your nose etc...push and pull resistence of your arms. Most likely will inquire your pain level 1-10 scale. You should make a list of questions but make them ---short and concise --u never know how time you will get. If somehow they say surgery ask how many dr has done --your prognosis ---gets some stats if you do or dont need surgery best case scenario with conservative treament etc....bring pen and paper. Is may be good to bring someone with you to the apt. Good to have the extra ear and also the support!!

ps --list of all medications your on -- bring with you