Gabapentin & MRI

Posted by angelark @angelark, Jul 12 12:20pm

Hello. I've been taking Gabapentin for a week, 900mg total daily. I am having an MRI on my lumbar spine in a few days. Will Gabapentin interfere or "mask" anything that might otherwise show on the MRI?
Thank you in advance

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Pain Support Group.

@heyjoe415

Hi Tony,

I do agree that a neurosurgeon should be involved in any back surgery. The best-case scenario IMO is to have a neurosurgeon and an orthopedic surgeon present.

I'm curious, it sounds like you had a laminotomy, which is a removal of part of the vertebral arch, the lamina, in a vertebra. This is considered a minimally invasive surgery that makes room for nerves that traverse the spinal canal. I had this done at S1, L5, and L4 over 10 years ago, avoiding fusion surgery and still going strong at age 70.

It IS a procedure worth fighting for, especially since most Drs would recommend a fusion or a more aggressive laminectomy, where much more bone is removed.

Which vertebra were affected in your case? I don't think many people know about this procedure.

Jump to this post

my surgeon did a spinal fusion--said 2 vertibue needed==lifting. month later a screw got loose and caused severe sciatica..treated for that not knowing it was the screw.

never had back pain in my life but I do now and have to use a walker. My fault for not seeking another opinion.,' 'now 6 years later, the area that was in extreme pain is aching--pain meds do not work for me and I had many

REPLY
@willow5

Hi Tony - so may I ask where you live (state is fine) and who the doctor is? Not sure if there’s a way to private email with this forum or not. I’ve not heard of this procedure before. Willow

Jump to this post

(862) 288-7963 Dr JohnKnightly
Maxim Spine Cedar Knolls NJ
Tony

REPLY

Thanks. I’m in San Francisco area, so …. But I’ll ask my doc if that would ever be an option for me

REPLY
@willow5

Hi Tony - so may I ask where you live (state is fine) and who the doctor is? Not sure if there’s a way to private email with this forum or not. I’ve not heard of this procedure before. Willow

Jump to this post

Hi Joe and willow
Dr John knightly
Maxim Spine cedar knolls NJ

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.