Educational case examples
These stories explain how selected brain and spine problems are reviewed, and what questions a doctor may ask when reading imaging and reports.
Young Patients with Cervical Pathology
A young adult presented with severe uncontrolled pain in the right arm. A low-resolution MRI had initially been reported as normal, while the clinical examination pointed to compressive cervical pathology around C6–C7. High-resolution MRI showed a small far-right disc lesion, and CT showed an osteophyte at the same level with narrowing of the exit foramen. A single-level ACDF was performed.
View case summaryFile 02Right occipital low-grade glioma presenting as a stroke mimicNot Every Sudden Deficit Is Caused by a Stroke
An adult woman presented to the emergency room with sudden loss of vision in the left visual field. CT showed a hypodense area in the right occipital lobe. MRI showed a non-enhancing lesion without signs of ischemia, and MR spectroscopy suggested a slow-growing tumor. The supplied note records navigation-guided surgery and gross total resection.
View case summaryFile 03Spondylolisthesis with persistent sciaticaWhen Sciatica Is Not Caused by Disc Compromise
An adult woman presented with persistent sciatica and no mechanical back pain. Imaging showed no disc herniation, grade 2–3 spondylolisthesis, and stable movement on dynamic X-rays. The supplied treatment plan describes decompression and reduction with screws in the sacrum, L4, and L5.
View case summaryFile 04Lumbar instabilityAnonymized Case: Lumbar Alignment and Stabilization
An anonymized educational case example about lumbar instability, nerve compression, alignment, and when stabilization may be discussed.
View case summaryFile 05Spinal stenosisAnonymized Case: Walking Limits and Spinal Stenosis
An anonymized educational case example focused on walking distance, leg symptoms, imaging, and how treatment choices are discussed in spinal stenosis.
View case summaryFile 06Thoracic disc herniationAnonymized Case: Thoracic Disc Surgery Planning
An anonymized educational case example explaining why thoracic disc problems need careful planning because the spinal cord is close to the affected level.
View case summaryFile 07Spinal cord tumorAnonymized Case: Planning Around a Spinal Cord Tumor
An anonymized educational case example explaining how imaging, symptoms, and neurological function guide discussion around a spinal cord tumor.
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