Neck Pain: Cervical
Posted on: Thu, 10/30/2008 - 10:53
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(SSEP) somatosensory evoked potential studies-what in the world that?
As you can see on my bio below, I am a "neckkie." My OS ordered an SSEP and I have never heard of it or known of anyone else having one. From my research, it is something they usually do intraoperatively to monitor the spinal cord. I read a lot of "stuff" about it, but don't know what it means in English, know what I mean? Anyone had one? Are the results definitive? Will this really inform the doctor of whether or not to do single, double, or triple level fusion? (He told me he is doing the SSEP to help determine how many levels to fuse). I have two herniations: C4/C5 and C6/C7 with major spinal cord compression at C4/5, and nerve root compression at C6/7. C6/7 also has pretty severe degenerative changes and large bone spurs as well as loss of disc space height. Anyone had this test or have knowledge of it?
Thanx
_____________
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Mt 11: 28)
Neck lacks normal curve: kyphosis with apex at C4-C5
C2: 2mm broad-based protrusion and radial tear.
C3: 3.5 mm disc protrusion
C4: 5 mm disc extrusion; posterior displacement of spinal cord with myelopathy and radiculopathy
C5: 2 mm protrusion
C6: disc space narrowing with anterior and posterior osteophytic activity with bilateral neuroforaminal stenosis; 4 mm disc-osteophyte complex
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http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/neck-pain/diagnosis-cervical-spon... I had an EMG and it was uncomfortable but necessary.
L5-S1 herniated disc with tear with disc material in contact with S-1 nerve. 3 Epidurals. Facet joint injections and last epidural on Dec. 6. DDD C5-C7 osteoarthritis hyperextension of cervical spine. Off work 10 months due to pain.
MS Contin,Flexeril,celebrex,Lyrica,wellbutrin,lasix,amitriptyline,Oxazepam
Thanks charry for the post. My doc says, however, that an Emg is different from SSEP. ? I will find out when I get there... hmmmmm
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Mt 11: 28)
Neck lacks normal curve: kyphosis with apex at C4-C5
C2: 2mm broad-based protrusion and radial tear.
C3: 3.5 mm disc protrusion
C4: 5 mm disc extrusion; posterior displacement of spinal cord with myelopathy and radiculopathy
C5: 2 mm protrusion
C6: disc space narrowing with anterior and posterior osteophytic activity with bilateral neuroforaminal stenosis; 4 mm disc-osteophyte complex
Ouch,
Perhaps this link will help. I had this done to me in August. The NS wanted to see what damage I still have and if what they did may be helping me get better. They place sensors on different locations on your head ( sort of a miny sleep study set up) and those sensors are hooked to a computer so they can read the results. They also place sensors on you fingers/wrist and take some readings, and probably they will place them on your ankles/toes. It does make your nerves/muscles jump, more like beating. I didn't think it was as bad as the EMG since they don't stick you with needles. The NS and OS also used this same method to monitor my spinal cord during both of my surgeries. Good luck and don't worry.
http://www.emedicine.com/NEURO/topic640.htm
mark
2 level ACDF c5-c6, c6-c7, November 2007...cervical stenosis with myelopathy....Removal of hardware and another 2 level ACDF c3-c4, c4-c5 and posterior cervical laminectomy at c5,c6,c7 in March 2008 to help stop the progression of myelopathy..feeling better every day!!
Thank you for the site information on SSEP. It was very informative. I am glad it isn't a painful procedure. I am hoping they get whatever they are looking for.
I was gazing at your bio too...Why did they have to do another 2 level ACDF??? Did the 1st surgery cause the other levels to deteriorate? Why did they have to remove the hardware? Sounds so very painful mark. I am so sorry they have had to do so much. How are you now? Have they stopped the myelopathy?
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Mt 11: 28)
Neck lacks normal curve: kyphosis with apex at C4-C5
C2: 2mm broad-based protrusion and radial tear.
C3: 3.5 mm disc protrusion
C4: 5 mm disc extrusion; posterior displacement of spinal cord with myelopathy and radiculopathy
C5: 2 mm protrusion
C6: disc space narrowing with anterior and posterior osteophytic activity with bilateral neuroforaminal stenosis; 4 mm disc-osteophyte complex
Ouch,
It is easier to PM you with more of my history...rather long story
mark
2 level ACDF c5-c6, c6-c7, November 2007...cervical stenosis with myelopathy....Removal of hardware and another 2 level ACDF c3-c4, c4-c5 and posterior cervical laminectomy at c5,c6,c7 in March 2008 to help stop the progression of myelopathy..feeling better every day!!