Hi, I would appreciate a some advice regarding my diagnosis or lack of. I have been referred to a neurologist following intense headaches (tension, icepick, migraine), an episode of hemiplegic migraine, numbness in right hand and leg and shooting pain in various regions such as back, abdomen.

I had am MRI scan and the findings are:

Brain scan - normal

Spine scan:broad based osteophyte complex at C5/6 with narrowing of right exiting foramen and mild impingement of C6 nerve root. At C6/7 broad based osteophyte complex indenting the thecal sac with encroachment into exiting foramen. Although there may be impingement of C7 nerve roots no significant compression is seen. Possible mild impingement of right C6 and both C7 nerve roots.

At T5/6 focal right centro-lateral disc protrusion which is impinging on the central chord with some flattening of the sagittal T2. No axial sections available. No exiting nerve root compromise. At T6/7 focal right centro-lateral disc protrusion with flattening of the sagittal T2. No axial sections available.no other areas scanned.

The letter from the neurologist states that as brain scan is normal and there is no evidence to support a neurological cause for my symptoms. The spinal findings are incidental findings and need not to be acted upon.

Recommends Amithriptylin.

I really feel like this can't be right especially since most damage to might spine is on the right side, same as the numbness. I am considering challenging the neurologist and going for a second opinion however I would like to ask for an opinion here before starting a long and unpleasant for all complaint procedure.I would really appreciate some advice

Thank you,

Sorry I didn't answer before this. I haven't been on line very much this past week or so.
Your MRI, is not decisive. They said you "May have nerve impingement on C-6-7, but it can't be seen" Also it stated the condition is "mild' The issue is that you have pain and numbness. Most neuro Doctors don't do any kind of surgery unless there is definite nerve impingement that says in the language of the MRI, "Severe"
Have you had any kind of conservative treatment? I also would do as you stated, get another opinion. Surgery is always a last option. Try PT, Acupuncture, Massage, and see what the next Doc. says. I will be here to help in any way I can. ginnie

Thanks for your response

I must admit to being a bit confused by the ambiguity concerning the size of the osteophytes. As there is also a minor bulge at C4-5 with no significant neural compression I can only asume that the ones at T5-6 and T6-7 would be a bit larger? There's mild impingement on C5-6 right root and no impingement on left root. At C6-7 the terms get unclear "may be impingement on nerve roots".
The report MRI report conclusion reads:
Multilevel spondylotic change. Disc portrusions with ventral cord impingement seen at T5-6 and to a lesser extent at T6-7 on the sagittal sequence. Possible mild impingement of right C6 and both C7 nerve roots. Recommendation: if there are any concerns for myelopathy please requesr MR scan of the thoracic spine with axial sequences.

I had no previous scans or treatment, or advice. The neurologist actions were to write a prescription for amitriptyline and discharge me, end of.