« Feb 14 Email: First Visit with my Neurosurgeon | Main | Mar 20 Email: Tumor Diagnosis »

June 10, 2013

Mar 8 Email: Cervical Spine MRI with Tractography

I had my second cervical spine MRI, this time with tractography, on March 1, 2013. One week later, I put this email together.

Date: Fri, 8 Mar 2013 12:00:12 -0500
From: Jon Nathan
Subject: Re: Neurological issues

Thanks again for being supportive and concerned. Last Friday I had
another MRI of my cervical spine. They used tractography, which
is a computerized image enhancement technique that attempts to show
the nerves of the spinal cord in more detail. It's commonly used
for brain MRIs, but unusual for the spine. The technical director
of the MRI center said it was the first time they had done it on
the spine, and developed and administered a new procedure for me.

The radiologist at the MRI center prepared a report based on the
images. The findings were somewhat inconclusive, but it seems most
likely that it is not a tumor. They say a tumor is not entirely
excluded, but I think they are just being conservative. It seems
more likely that I have compressive myelopathy, meaning the spinal
cord is compressed by some combination of bulging discs, degeneration
of the uncovertebral joints, stenosis (narrowing of the spinal
column), and inflammation of the cord itself.

The radiologist also compared the images to my MRI in early January,
and stated that the narrowing may be worsening. My own symptoms seem
to fluctuate, but I'm still mobile and not in pain. It does not
appear I will be able to play soccer any time soon.

I have a followup with my doctor in 2 weeks. He'll be able to
better explain the MRI results and propose a course of action. From
my own research, it looks like laminectomy (decompression surgery)
could still be indicated. In the mean time, I am doing yoga,
stretching, and strengthening exercises.

Thanks again for your concern, and I'll keep you posted.

-Jon

Posted by jon at June 10, 2013 12:11 AM