Can MRI miss trapped nerve (L5)

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Symptoms started over a year ago with a numb foot brought on by walking which has progressed to constant numbness/pins and needles in foot to knee and random numb patches in back of thigh with pain which radiates up from foot to lower back intermittently. The numbness is worse than the pain!

I had an MRI on lumbar spine after spinal surgeon took 5 min look and said it was a clear L5 compression but there was no disc herniation on MRI so was then referred to a Neurologist who said all signs of L5 compression but scanned hips and knee - all clear.

Diagnosed with Pernicuous Anaemia during this period and have had loading dose of B12 but Neurologist thinks unrelated as all issues focus on one leg.

Also saw a physio while waiting for appointments who thought L5 nerve.

Long story short how likely is it that the first MRI missed something compressing the nerve?? Feel like I am going insane!

Bump!

Your neurologist should refer you for brain MRI and check everything rather than citing to Sciatica. Hope you are well now and have a bit more clarity.

Does the numbness come on when you are laid down flat (scanning position). does the pain/numbness happen in sitting at all? Is it getting better over time?

It originally only came on with exercise but it remains when I’m lying down now & when sitting although it worsens when walking to the point I struggle to walk for more than 20 mins without stumbling.

It is getting worse rather than better with time. I have now started getting similar sensation in my right foot and sciatic pain in my buttocks and down my left leg which is worse in the morning and after sitting for a long time.

I have also had nerve conduction & EMG tests.
I’ve now been referred for another MRI of my spine.

Hope all goes well for you. Please keep us updated. I’m having the same symptoms but I also have low iron confirmed and doctor suspects sciatica too.