How to treat excess spinal fluid on spinal cord?
Patient: My daughter is 16 with back pain, hip pain and some numbness in feet and hands. MRI shows excess spinal fluid on her spinal cord. She also has a vertebra that that did not separate. We are being referred children s hospital. Just want to know what could be wrong and what to ask dr. Only lower back MRI was done and X-ray Doctor: Hi, welcome to our site. I am Dr Saumya Mittal, MD.Read your query. That is a very significant question and i appreciate your problem. I will try my best to answer your queryI will suggest an MRI Brain with spine screening as well. Here is why-The fluid is produced in the brain. Ideally it is meant for the cushioning effect. In certain conditions called hydrocephalus, 1 of the 2 things may happen (Or both)-1. the fluid produced is too much2. the fluid is not sufficiently absorbed backThere is a possibility that the same high levels of fluids may be present in the brain. Now you have said she has upper limb issues as wellSo there may be a problem in her cervical bones too.So an MRI brain with screening of spine would be my choice of investigationI hope this helps you. Inform the reports mentioned above/if any other so I can be of help further. I have given you the answer to the maximum considering the information provided. The results of the tests could further enhance my answer to you.Please do understand that some details could be extracted from a detailed history and examination.Please feel free to ask another query. I would be glad to help you. Looking forward to your return query with the details asked so that I can help you further. (If the answer has helped you, please indicate this)Best of luck.Dr Mittal.MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), CC (Diabetes Mellitus), DNB (Neurology)Consultant Physician and DiabetologistJS HospitalEx Apollo Hospital, DelhiEx Kailash Hospital, Noida