Brick, NJ
A 55-year-old male asked:
L4-l5 disc bulge noted,superimposed upon the bulge is a moderate size broad herniation mildly asymmetric to the right w/impingement on the right side of thecal sac. what does this mean and is this the cause of numbness in part of my right leg & foot?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Martin Tamleranswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 35 years experience
Actually, there is not enough information from this question to give a confident answer. There would need to be correlation of the findings to the location that you are having numbness in the leg and foot. Oftentimes impingement on the thecal sac is meaningless unless it is concomitantly impinging on the corresponding nerve. That nerve would then have to travel to the location of the numb leg.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Reviewed Aug 27, 2021

Dr. Bennett Machanicanswered
Neurology 54 years experience
Agree with Dr Tamler. Urge you proceed further and obtain an EMG/ NCS of both legs to sort out the "what and where". Might consult with a physiatrist, and if the situation worsens, consult a spinal surgeon.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered Aug 27, 2021
Last updated Aug 27, 2021
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