Hi Dr, I had a MRI done last friday because of a severe pain in my lumbar and left leg, which I feel numb and tingling since last wednesday. The MRI showed a large left subarticular disc extrusion at L5/S1 impinging on the descending left S1 nerve root and also an incidental Tarlov cyst within the sacral canal at the S2 level. I am worried because I dont know if this is serious and I dont feel my leg improving since last week. I would like to know how long will take for my leg to be normal again and what is the treatment for this. Thank you, Julia.
Hi Ms Julia, Thank you for posting your query. Your symptoms and MRI scan are suggestive of severe compression of the sacral nerve S1 due to a large disc prolapse. Initial treatment is bed rest, use of medications such as pregabalin, and physiotherapy. More than 50% patients may improve with these treatments. Those who do not improve with the above, surgery may be required in them. A consultation with a neurosurgeon would be helpful. Recovery may occur in 4-6 weeks. Wishing you speedy recovery, Chat Doctor. 