[Guest]

My wife became paralyzed from T5 (about breast area) down over a two day period. The emergency room MRI diagnosis said that she had a blood accumulation in her spine. An angiogram did not show any blood vessel damage. Two months later another MRI was done and the neurosurgeon ask for a blow up some some areas. He compared MRI's and said that it could be inflamation. He believes whatever it is started around T9 and moved up to T5. No medication has been prescribed. He said another MRI should be done in about 6 months.

Originally, they said the spine should clear and she could possibly walk in about 6 months. So far we cannot see any return of feeling or muscle control. She lost bladder and bowel control in this occurrance.

In rehab she was in severe burning pain until a doctor prescribed Neurontin. This did wonders for the pain. She now has burning pain when she wakes up and less severe as she gets moving for the day. She has always said that she feels like she is squeezed in the entire paralysis area.

Should we get another reading of the MRI's - a second opinion? Should some medication be considered? She takes vitron C, serokot, busbar, sleeping pill and from 600 to 2700mg of neurontin depending on her pain. She has been taking celexia and seroquel for about two years. The doctors are not very talkative, they say very little about her prognosis.
Where do we go from here?

[Guest]

I am so sorry that your wife had such a difficult time. It does sound like there has not been a definite diagnosis. Bleeding from a spinal vascular malformation can cause some of the problems you describe. Without seeing the MRI, I really cannot determine the etiology of her problem. You may benefit from from taking all of her medical records and MRI studies and seeking a second opinion. In addition, she is on a number of medications. A pain specialist may be able to address her discomfort as well. Good luck.
[quote] My wife became paralyzed from T5 (about breast area) down over a two day period. The emergency room MRI diagnosis said that she had a blood accumulation in her spine... [/quote]