Wow, I've been on the wrong board. Hi, I'm Katie and I have a perineural root sleeve cyst (Tarlov cyst right?) at c7/t1 as well as multilevel disc disease from c3-c7.

I am being referred to a NS and will be starting PT on the 18 March. I have had neck /left arm/upper back/shoulder problems since 2006.

So, how is it determined if the radicular pain I am having is caused by the mild disc disease in c3-c7 or from the perineural root sleeve cyst at c7/t1?

Is there a certain test that needs to be done, will the NS know just by looking at my MRI an talking to me?

I dont want to treat the wrong thing as it could potentially cause me more problems.

Thanks,

Katie

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?

Katieaero,
The new patient evaluation could consist of an EEG, evaluation by pain management specialists, psychological evaluations, etc. Don't be put off, and don't get discouraged. Keep accurate records of your visits to any doctors, and be certain to get a copy of your medical file at the conclusion of EACH visit to the doctor. Be sure to review the report at the conclusion of each visit, and if you have questions or concerns about what is included in the report be sure to have them addressed.
A proper evaluation of your symptoms is critical to determining what is causing those symptoms.
I continued with physical therapy for months following the accident which caused my Tarlov cyst to become symptomatic, and the PT only aggravated my symptoms. It was nearly a year before I found a neurosurgeon who revised the PT program, which enabled me to maintain body movement and function without severley aggravating my symptoms. It was another two years before I made the connection with Dr. Feigenbaum, which resulted in the surgical procedure that restored my life.