Question 1

does an mri of the spine show spinal fluid problems?

Accepted Answer

Need a spinal tap: For evaluating spinal fluid a spinal tap is necessary. This is the only way to evaluate the fluid for any problems.  An MRI would only be able to evaluate if there is a leak in the sac containing the nerves.

Question 2

mri shows multilevel cervical spondylosis throughout cervical spine most severe c4-5 & c5-6 resulting in complete effacement of csf & moderate spinal canal stenosis; no abnormal cord signal. what does this mean & how dangerous is it?

Accepted Answer

Very: This is very important to get it treated before you lose function of the nerves below that level

Question 3

is there anything less invasive than a myleogram to find a spinal fluid leak? my brain mri shows brain sag?

Accepted Answer

CSF leak: There are other clues from MRI besides brain "sag" towards spinal leak, but the more specific answer depends on your symptoms (their relation to position) and where the leak is suspected to exist.  There is a nuclear test, but that is just as invasive as a myelogram, as the tracer (or dye in the case of myelogram) has to be injected into the spinal nerve sac to attempt to demonstrate leakage.

Question 4

what would cause no spinal fluid to be seen in one auditory canal on mri but  seen on the other.  mentioned soft tissue density on that side. ?

Accepted Answer

? Mass vs. Vol Ave.: Depending on the MRI protocol, it is possible there is slight angling of the image, and one side is seen well while the other is not as clearly seen.  This is called volume averaging. It is more likely on a routine head mri, and unlikely on a dedicated MRI of the internal auditory canals.

It is also possible there is soft tissue is in one auditory canal.  Was there enhancement after contrast?

Question 5

i have several m.s. symptoms, but no lesions on brain mri.    . but what does 2 white obligonal bands on spinal fluid mean ..       ?

Accepted Answer

One of  diagnostic: Tests. A diagnosis of ms is usually made on the basis of clinical findings, MRI and oligoclonal bands in cerebrospinal fluid. One of the features of ms is recurrent episodes.  See this site for more information on this topic.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/pmh0001747/.

Question 6

if i have chiari malformation 1 and my spinal mri came up negative do i still need surgery? i have symptoms just nothing wrong with my spinal fluid

Accepted Answer

Neurological : symptoms guide the decision that surgery is needed. Pressure from the cerebellum on the spinal cord or lower brainstem can cause neurological signs &amp; symptoms. Read all the pages on www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chiari-malformation/basics/definition/con-20031115. Seek a 2nd pediatric neurosurgical opinion if you are hesitant.

Question 7

can white matter on brain mri be some kind of connection with my chiari malformation? can it be spinal fluid build up?

Accepted Answer

Come again?: Brain consists of gray matter (neurons' cell bodies) &amp; white matter (connecting fiber tracts). Chiari malformation has to do with position of cerebellum at base of brain. These 2 things aren't related at all. Finally, can WHAT be spinal-fluid buildup? You'll understand much better if you educate yourself about brain anatomy. There are good sources for laypeople. It's NOT beyond your ability.

Question 8

my dad has been diagnosed for "encephalitis". doctors are not clearly able to find root casuse. all tests (eeg, mri, blood test etc) came clear. lumber punture test revealed high protein in spinal fluid, hence doctors are speculating case of "encephalitis

Accepted Answer

Thoughts: Could be viral, but could be immunological, such as anti-NMDA encephalitis.  Sometimes the virus is tough to identify.

Question 9

is it normal for a mri to show white spots on spine not the spinal cord but by the discs in between them

Accepted Answer

It can be: It is difficult to answer this without seeing the MRI or at least knowing more about the MRI.  There are two main types of pictures taken in an MRI, they are labelled as "T1" and "T2" images.  Also, sometimes contrast (a compound injected intravenously for the MRI) is given.  A white area in the center of the discs on a T2 image is normally suggestive of healthy (well hydrated) discs and is normal

Question 10

mri shows  disc bulges in upper and lower spine and spinal stenosis  in both areas.  told before i have  peripheral neuropathy .  are they related ?

Accepted Answer

No: A peripheral neuropathy is not caused by spinal disease.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Does an MRI of the spine show spinal fluid problems

A member asked:

Does an mri of the spine show spinal fluid problems?

A member asked:

Mri shows multilevel cervical spondylosis throughout cervical spine most severe c4-5 & c5-6 resulting in complete effacement of csf & moderate spinal canal stenosis; no abnormal cord signal. what does this mean & how dangerous is it?

A member asked:

Is there anything less invasive than a myleogram to find a spinal fluid leak? my brain mri shows brain sag?

A member asked:

What would cause no spinal fluid to be seen in one auditory canal on mri but seen on the other. mentioned soft tissue density on that side. ?

A member asked:

I have several m.s. symptoms, but no lesions on brain mri. . but what does 2 white obligonal bands on spinal fluid mean .. ?

A member asked:

If i have chiari malformation 1 and my spinal mri came up negative do i still need surgery? i have symptoms just nothing wrong with my spinal fluid

A member asked:

Can white matter on brain mri be some kind of connection with my chiari malformation? can it be spinal fluid build up?

A member asked:

My dad has been diagnosed for "encephalitis". doctors are not clearly able to find root casuse. all tests (eeg, mri, blood test etc) came clear. lumber punture test revealed high protein in spinal fluid, hence doctors are speculating case of "encephalitis

A member asked:

Is it normal for a mri to show white spots on spine not the spinal cord but by the discs in between them

A member asked:

Mri shows disc bulges in upper and lower spine and spinal stenosis in both areas. told before i have peripheral neuropathy . are they related ?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?