Newbie,,,short notice need answers

[PepsiDoodles]

Originally Posted by theBadCormorant

hmmm, I have just been trying that test on myself and I can't get any reflex reaction out of my thumb on either hand - I'm worrying now, didn't think there was anything much wrong with my neck...

I am curious about the mouth numbness you mention in the first post, as far as i know the facial nerves go no where near the spine, is there something else going on ?

And best of luck with your problems, sounds like you are going through hell. - what age are you ?

from what I understand, you don't want any reflex on your thumb so that is good, I did it on myself an it springs on its own

[PepsiDoodles]

ok, I am technically challenged, BUT, I figured out how to open the MRI on my pc, and lets just say it DOES NOT LOOK GOOD AT ALL! The srynx last yr was at c7 9mm, from what I see it is c6 to c8 now and huge but dimensions not given, lots of real bad looking shit with disc's and so on though, can see unstable bones excreta,,,,had so many of these dam things can read them myself pretty much by looking at the pics but yes, can see why the bulge is there now, can also see where the epidural hole is and it is right into THAT DISC! and bone below it, and I can see why it is popped off at a weird angle going to burn a copy of this before I leave the house.

[Maria]

contacting mmglobal (Mark)here .. he could probably be helpful with looking at the MRI... there is contact information for him somewhere on this site (contact us).

[PepsiDoodles]

thank you Maria thank you!

[theBadCormorant]

Originally Posted by PepsiDoodles

from what I understand, you don't want any reflex on your thumb so that is good, I did it on myself an it springs on its own

I see, the reflex is an indication of a neurological problem elsewhere within the spinal column - presumably similar to when the knee reflex does a double or treble kick. So not a good sign.

I read elsewhere that this phenomenon (Hoffmans reflex) can appear in very healthy people but when it does it will always appear in both hands, hence some (maybe all) doctors only take note of it when it appears in only one hand.

I tested the wife by flicking the end of one of her fingers and noted a very strange reflex, she went ouch then her other hand flew up and hit me in the ear - hmmmm - not sure what that indicates!

[PepsiDoodles]

Yes, it is called Hoffmans test, but the middle finger is and he flicks it down, as he is flicking it down, jus the end flange of it, he is looking to see if the index of thumb move involuntarily, it they do it is positive for ALS or (forget the other condition) but if the patient has known spinal condition it tells them where the nerve is impinged at, like the c spine vrs the thoracic or lumbar, if positive it is in the c spine,,, well am off soon, not sure what will happen, just had to get a tooth infection an was told yesterday could go either way, might have to stay or could be sent to get dental work before he does anything...

[theBadCormorant]

very best of luck

[PepsiDoodles]

thank you

[Maria]

My ex neighbor (I've moved) had a positive Hoffman's sign and she went to Dr. Frank Coufal in La Jolla CA and had surgery done with an ADR and fusion (I'm not exactly sure which levels though something like C5/6 I guess)... anyway she's 6 months past her surgery and last I saw her in December she was doing incredibly well! She sings this surgeon's praises as I have heard others do as well (Neurosurgeon).

I wish you the absolute best.. I'm a bit older than you (will be 60 next month) though sometimes feel much older (though act like I'm 2)... anyway please do keep us updated if you're so inclined. I'm very interested to read how things progress with you and whatever treatment you have and hope you will remain part of the spine community here and keep in touch.

I'm sorry if I couldn't answer any of your questions .. most of my own direct experience with surgery has been with regard to my lumbar spine.

take care and sending you positive thoughts/wishes/prayers for your situation! Maria

[PepsiDoodles]

Just got back, way more complicated than I can begin to even imagine, lets just say c2 all the way to t2, will fill in details when I get back going to get a beer WHILE I CAN LOL! anyway, will be 20 plus hr surgery at best, all the goodies involved,,,what a crappy day this turned into, a fusion I was ready for, not all this!