pain in back/arachnoiditis?

[nanceect]

Good morning,
I have Arnold Chiari Malformation/Pseudo Tumor/Trigeminal Neuralgia/Two Fusions C-4/5 5/6Broken Neck 5/6Migraines/ Syringomelia & arachnoididits

BUT I kind of have that under control with gamma knife/the fusions etc.

my problem is extreme pain in my lower back burning numbness tingling in my legs and feet!!!
It gets hard to walk by the end of the day and with the more I do. I am being treated with
Depo Medrol for pain for my arachnoiditis and celebrex and it isn't quite doing the trick I am still
in quite a bit of pain. I also take 350mg of Topomax. Should I see someone to have spine films taken?
I have had 5 or 6 spinal punctures for mylegrams and for lowering my spinal fluid.
I know there isn't alot you can do for arachnoiditis, but I just wonder if anything might be wrong with a disc?

Thank you for your time!
Nancee

[Dr. Joshua]

With a very complex medical history like that, it would not be prudent for me to give any specific advice without the benefit of a complete medical history, available radiology, and a current physical examination. Burning pain and tingling, generally speaking, could be symptoms of neuropathy and while there are good medical treatment options for neuropathy, the cause for these symptoms should be evaluated thoroughly before initating any treatment. My recommendation is to talk to a doctor who is familiar with your history.

[nanceect]

Dear Dr. Joshua,
Can I ask two more questions?

I had a full brain MRI and was told I have hydromyelia of the middle of my spinal canal. OK, we can leave that alone for now, as they told me that you really should not do anything for that as you would damage the spine too much to trying to repair it... but I was also told that I have a choroid plexus cyst within the right temporal horn. I have extreme migraines, vomiting, imbalance, etc. Can this be caused by the cyst? Do you monitor the cyst? Can the cyst become a tumor? Thank you for your time! Just a little nervous!

Me

[Dr. Joshua]

Dear Nanceect,

I suggest that you discuss these concerns with your neurosurgeon. It's unfortunately impossible for me to get a clear picture of your illness over the Internet. As a neurosurgeon I know how complicated these matters can be, and what is needed is an appointment with someone who is able to review your complete medical history and brain imaging, perform a physical and neuro exam and then based on this provide you with a synthesis of the existing knowledge, and recommendations for future examinations and/or treatment.

Best Wishes
Dr. Joshua