[gigglestx]

Had a CT scan last year for a head injury. Was more worried about brain damage at the time ( suffered from a concussion and a laceration) and did not have insurance at the time. Well, on my discharge papers, on the bottom there is a note:

"Marked degenerative disc disease at c5-c6 with a relatively large circumferential posterior disc bulge compressing the thecal sac and leading to marked spinal stenosis. Patient is asymptomatic."

I have an appointment next month with a neurosurgeon but am wondering, based on these findings, what to expect? Really worried.

[Kitt]

Welcome gigglestx.

Someone will be along to help.

[fourxlucky]

Asymptomatic simply put means no symptoms. That is good news IMHO.

Most people will show some kind of problem on a MRI; that does not mean we need to panic. It's called incidental findings. It's were they find things they were not specifically looking for. But since they did find it they report it. Normal aging is the most common cause for many of these problems. So try to relax until you get in to see the doctor.

Katie

PS~
I am NOT a medical professional of any kind. This is simply my opinion based on my very limited knowledge.

[Jomar]

No pain or symptoms from it, then not to worry..

My dad has no disk material left disks are stacked on top of each other , but luckily only slight discomfort..

[Dubious]

Originally Posted by gigglestx

Had a CT scan last year for a head injury. Was more worried about brain damage at the time ( suffered from a concussion and a laceration) and did not have insurance at the time. Well, on my discharge papers, on the bottom there is a note:

"Marked degenerative disc disease at c5-c6 with a relatively large circumferential posterior disc bulge compressing the thecal sac and leading to marked spinal stenosis. Patient is asymptomatic."

I have an appointment next month with a neurosurgeon but am wondering, based on these findings, what to expect? Really worried.

What it will likely come down to is an MRI to more clearly delineate the thecal sac, discs, cord and roots, measure the AP canal diameter to more prognosticate, since you have no symptoms, about how dangerous it is, or not, to get or not get decompressive surgery. I can't imagine them not at least discussing with you surgical options as one likelihood if you in fact have marked spinal stenosis as to leave well enough alone in that scenario, might end catastrophically with subsequent significant trauma to the neck or head.