Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
167 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

MRI Shows Degenerative Endplate Change, Straightening Of Cerviacal Lordosis. Have SPMS. Meaning?

I have SPMS. My MRI shows some new activity. Can you please turn this into 'layman speak'? "..there is a new focus of abnormal increased STIR and T2 signal involving the cervical spinal cord at the mid C4 level posteriorly measuring appx. 4mm in diameter, consistent w/clinical Hx. of demyelinating disease." Also, "there is persistent straightening of the normal cervical lordosis. Degenerative endplate change is again noted most marked at C5-6". Is 'straightening' a bad thing? Thanks
posted on Fri, 9 Aug 2013
Twitter Fri, 9 Aug 2013 Answered on
Twitter Sat, 10 Aug 2013 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis(SPMS) may show such changes in the spinal cord which is a demyelinating disease(the upper protective layers of the nerves are damaged in this).The cervical curve inherently helps maintain the central head position ,loss of this forward curve(straightening) occurs because of damage to the vertebrae and the intervertebral disc which is definitely not good.C5 and C6 vertebrae are usually involved as they bear the brunt of head movement as well as other movements of the body.Degenerative changes are usually seen with aging but have been known to appear in younger people too.
I find this answer helpful

 3 users find this helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Spinal cord injury


Loading Online Doctors....
MRI Shows Degenerative Endplate Change, Straightening Of Cerviacal Lordosis. Have SPMS. Meaning?

Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis(SPMS) may show such changes in the spinal cord which is a demyelinating disease(the upper protective layers of the nerves are damaged in this).The cervical curve inherently helps maintain the central head position ,loss of this forward curve(straightening) occurs because of damage to the vertebrae and the intervertebral disc which is definitely not good.C5 and C6 vertebrae are usually involved as they bear the brunt of head movement as well as other movements of the body.Degenerative changes are usually seen with aging but have been known to appear in younger people too.