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What Does "Extra-axial CSF Spaces Are Mildly Prominent" Mean?
Question: Hi Doctor, i just had a MRI and I need further explanation on this please:
Findings: Extra-axial CSF spaces are mildly prominent for the patient's age (i'm 55 yrs old). This is of questionable clinical significance.
Findings: Extra-axial CSF spaces are mildly prominent for the patient's age (i'm 55 yrs old). This is of questionable clinical significance.
Brief Answer:
It is age related finding.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX
Thanks for writing to HCM
I have gone through your findings in detail.
Mildly prominent extra-axial CSF spaces(means space out side the brain tissue) is expected finding in your age group.
With aging there is shrinkage of brain parenchyma (means atrophy)which allows CSF to expand and fill the vacant space.This leads to prominence of CSF in imaging.
This condition doesn't require any treatment and and can be considered as normal in your case.
It is important to know the reason for MRI.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
It is age related finding.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX
Thanks for writing to HCM
I have gone through your findings in detail.
Mildly prominent extra-axial CSF spaces(means space out side the brain tissue) is expected finding in your age group.
With aging there is shrinkage of brain parenchyma (means atrophy)which allows CSF to expand and fill the vacant space.This leads to prominence of CSF in imaging.
This condition doesn't require any treatment and and can be considered as normal in your case.
It is important to know the reason for MRI.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi Doctor, thank you for your reply but just in case you haven't seen my more serious question, I have copied and pasted it here. Please explain this to me so I can understand my condition better if i do really need a surgery? here it is:
I was referred to a neuro-surgeon but they haven't called me yet. Also if I may add this MRI of neck result: Multilevel MR findings of degenerative disc disease, spondylosis, central canal stenosis, uncovertebral-facet hypertrophy, degenerative listhesis, and foraminal narrowing, without direct MR signs of secondary degenerative cervical myelomalacia.
May I know how bad my condition is? I just want a second opinion please? Thank you and God bless you...
I was referred to a neuro-surgeon but they haven't called me yet. Also if I may add this MRI of neck result: Multilevel MR findings of degenerative disc disease, spondylosis, central canal stenosis, uncovertebral-facet hypertrophy, degenerative listhesis, and foraminal narrowing, without direct MR signs of secondary degenerative cervical myelomalacia.
May I know how bad my condition is? I just want a second opinion please? Thank you and God bless you...
Brief Answer:
Please find detail answer below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX
Thanks for writing back
Sorry for not addressing the full problem.I considered CSF related query as chief complain.
Any way,You have degenerative disc disease of cervical spine and spinal cord.
Degenerative changes occurs in spine due to aging and development of weakness in annulus fibrosis.
Majority of the cases of degenerative spine disease are benefited by physiotherapy.So,physiotherpay should be tried first.It causes strengthening of Para spinal muscles and it prevents further changes.
Surgery should be the last option.
There are also medicines like capsule pregabalin available for pain relief.
Treatment can be planned after consultation with neurosurgeon.
Now a days,there are many new techniques like endoscopic surgery is preferred.It is almost painless and done as day care basis.If your problem doesn't respond to conservative means then you can go for it.
Your condition is not very bad and it is manageable.
Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Please find detail answer below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX
Thanks for writing back
Sorry for not addressing the full problem.I considered CSF related query as chief complain.
Any way,You have degenerative disc disease of cervical spine and spinal cord.
Degenerative changes occurs in spine due to aging and development of weakness in annulus fibrosis.
Majority of the cases of degenerative spine disease are benefited by physiotherapy.So,physiotherpay should be tried first.It causes strengthening of Para spinal muscles and it prevents further changes.
Surgery should be the last option.
There are also medicines like capsule pregabalin available for pain relief.
Treatment can be planned after consultation with neurosurgeon.
Now a days,there are many new techniques like endoscopic surgery is preferred.It is almost painless and done as day care basis.If your problem doesn't respond to conservative means then you can go for it.
Your condition is not very bad and it is manageable.
Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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