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Myelomalacia

Posted by anonymous16 @anonymous16, 1 day ago

I have myelomalacia through 2 levels in my cervical spine. Does this HAVE to be surgical, as in decompression, and if so is a fusion normally also considered? Opinions?

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cyndigarrison | @cyndigarrison | 1 day ago

You don't mention the cause or severity. And treatment depends on the cause. Most causes are from compression or trauma to the spinal column, so many of the treatments will involve surgical intervention. Like repair and stabilization of fractures, or decompression of the cord with laminectomies, etc. If it were me, my specialist would be a highly qualified neurosurgeon. Discuss with them the causes, severity, treatment options including options other than surgery if available. If a laminectomy is performed at more than one level sometimes fusion is necessary as well to stabilize the spinal column. With the spine, often times surgery is the only option. Good luck and God bless you.

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anonymous16 | @anonymous16 | 13 hours ago
In reply to @cyndigarrison "You don't mention the cause or severity. And treatment depends on the cause. Most causes are..." + (show)
Profile picture for cyndigarrison @cyndigarrison

You don't mention the cause or severity. And treatment depends on the cause. Most causes are from compression or trauma to the spinal column, so many of the treatments will involve surgical intervention. Like repair and stabilization of fractures, or decompression of the cord with laminectomies, etc. If it were me, my specialist would be a highly qualified neurosurgeon. Discuss with them the causes, severity, treatment options including options other than surgery if available. If a laminectomy is performed at more than one level sometimes fusion is necessary as well to stabilize the spinal column. With the spine, often times surgery is the only option. Good luck and God bless you.

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Thanks for your reply @cyndigarrison . I have been experiencing progressive myelopathy for the last 6-9 months, and a subsequent MRI showed thoracic herniation with cord compression. Doctor was thinking some of the issues could be coming from higher up.. sure enough C-spine MRI revealed multilevel malamalacia. There was no mention of severity, but given I haven't heard from my surgeon yet so I can ask him myself. I've had lumbar surgery x 4, including a fusion and revised fusion.

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