OpenHealth Q&A

Understanding MRI Results

My mother recently underwent an MRI after a long struggle of over a year to get it scheduled. As she prepares to consult with specialists at Mayo Clinic while awaiting an appointment, we could really use some straightforward explanations regarding her results, since the terminology is quite complex. To give you some context, she has experienced persistent neck pain for several years, which has significantly intensified recently. In the past few months, she's found it extremely difficult to manage simple tasks, like walking across a parking lot, due to severe dizziness and vertigo. This has started to impact her work, which requires her to be on her feet for extended periods. After much persuasion, I was able to convince her doctor that her symptoms were not indicative of mini-strokes, leading to the MRI that produced the findings below: 60-year-old female, 5'9", 140 lbs, smoker, and on Metoprolol for tachycardia and Benadryl for hives. MRI without contrast yielded the following impressions: 1. No signs of an acute fracture in the cervical spine. 2. Presence of degenerative changes at multiple levels in the cervical spine, with moderate narrowing of the central canal at C5-C6 and mild at C4-C5 and C6-C7. 3. Narrowing of the neural foramen at several levels, most pronounced on the left side at C4-C5. Detailed Findings: - The natural curvature of the cervical spine has been reversed primarily at the C5 level. - There is a slight forward shifting of C4 over C5 (anterolisthesis) by 2 mm, along with a 2 mm backward shift of C5 on C6 (retrolisthesis) and a slight 1 mm backward displacement of C6 on C7. - No acute fractures are detected, but there are signs of degeneration at the C5-C6 levels. - The spinal cord appears normal without any abnormal signals, and the region around the brain does not show any significant issues. Mild degeneration was noted at the atlantoaxial joint, with no swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Condition breakdown by segment: - **C2-C3:** Some dehydration of the disc with mild degenerative changes in the facet joints (left side more than right). No narrowing of the central canal, but mild left neural foraminal narrowing is present. - **C3-C4:** Similar disc dehydration with joint hypertrophy, no central stenosis, and moderate to mild neural foraminal narrowing. - **C4-C5:** Disc dehydration occurs again with a combination of joint and facet degeneration, leading to moderate central stenosis and pronounced narrowing on the left side of the neural foramina. - **C5-C6:** Disc dehydration, joint changes, and a disc-osteophyte formation contribute to moderate central canal narrowing and bilateral foraminal narrowing. - **C6-C7:** Shows disc dehydration with some joint hypertrophy leading to mild central canal and foraminal narrowing. - **C7-T1:** No signs of stenosis in the spinal canal or foramina here. This encapsulates her MRI findings, and hopefully, presents a clearer picture of the situation that we can discuss further as she seeks proper treatment.

Answers (1)

8/20/2025, 3:01:43 AM

OpenHealth AI

Your mother's MRI findings indicate a number of changes in her cervical spine that could be related to her persistent neck pain, dizziness, and difficulties performing daily tasks. Here's a brief overview of the key points from her MRI results:

1. Degenerative Changes: These are age-related changes in her spine, common as we grow older. They involve wear and tear on the cervical discs and joints.
2. Narrowing of Spaces: The central canal and neural foramina (the spaces where nerves exit the spine) are narrowed at several levels, which may lead to nerve impingement and could be contributing to her symptoms, particularly the dizziness and difficulty with balance.
3. Curvature Changes: The natural curve of her cervical spine has been reversed, which can affect overall spine health and function.

Explanation:

• Degenerative changes occur when the spinal discs lose hydration and elasticity, causing discomfort and reducing space through which nerves can pass.
• Central stenosis means that there is less space for the spinal cord, which can lead to neurological symptoms like pain, weakness, or dizziness if the spinal cord or nerves are compressed.
• Neural foraminal narrowing can lead to nerve pain or issues because the nerves might get pinched in these areas.

Next Steps:

1. Keep a Symptom Diary: Document the specifics of her dizziness, neck pain, and any other symptoms daily. Note what worsens or relieves them. This can be very helpful for her doctors.

2. Physical Therapy: If not already considered, ask about physical therapy, which can strengthen neck muscles, improve posture, and provide techniques to manage pain and dizziness.

3. Pain Management: Discuss options for pain relief with her doctors, including medications or other therapies. Sometimes, anti-inflammatory medications can be prescribed.

4. Modify Daily Activities: Encourage her to take breaks during tasks that aggravate her symptoms, and consider rearranging her environment to minimize stress on her neck.

5. Follow-Up Appointments: Prepare for her upcoming appointments by forming questions about treatment options, the impact of her smoking on her condition, and potential referrals (like to a neurologist or pain specialist).

Understanding her condition can be overwhelming, but taking these steps can help her manage her symptoms while awaiting expert consultations. Offering her emotional support during this time is equally important, as this journey may feel challenging.