Spinal Cord Surgery

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord that causes temporary or permanent changes in its function. It is a destructive neurological and pathological state that causes major motor, sensory and autonomic dysfunctions. Mr Irfan malik is a specialist in treating spinal cord injuries, utilizing advanced surgical techniques to address and manage these complex conditions.

Spinal Cord Surgery

Quick Facts

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Lower injuries

may cause paraplegia, affecting only the legs

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Injuries higher

the spinal cord often result in quadriplegia (affecting all four limbs)

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Recovery varies

With many patients requiring lifelong care and support. Some regain partial function with rehabilitation, with others may face permanent disability

Overview

A spinal cord injury involves damage to any part of the spinal cord. It also can include damage to nerves at the end of the spinal cord, known as cauda equina. The spinal cord sends and receives signal between the brain and rest of the body. A spinal cord injury often causes permanent changes in strength, feeling and other body functions below the site of the injury

Key benefits

  1. Advances in pain management techniques, including medications and therapies like electrical stimulation, help reduce chronic pain, a common issue following spinal cord injuries.
  2. Improved mobility through rehabilitation and physical therapy.
  3. Enhanced quality of life
Key benefits of Spinal Cord Injury

Related conditions

  1. Slipped discs
  2. Spinal stenosis
  3. Herniated discs
  4. Spondylolisthesis
  5. Spinal fractures
  6. Spinal tumors

Indications

  1. Extreme back pain or pressure in the neck, head or back.
  2. Loss of bladder or bowel control.
  3. Trouble with balance and walking.
  4. Trouble breathing after injury.

pre procedure

MRI or CT scans are performed to assess the location, extent, and type of spinal cord injury. These tests also help to identify structural abnormalities such as bone fragments or disc herniations that may need to be addressed during surgery. A full assessment of motor, sensory, and reflex functions is conducted to establish a baseline and determine the degree of spinal cord involvement

Procedure

Healthcare providers also may treat an acute injury with surgery. Doctors may use surgery to remove fluid or tissue that presses on the spinal cord. Remove bone fragments, disk fragments, or foreign objects; fuse broken spinal bones; or place spinal braces

Post procedure

Patients are often taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring, especially in cases of severe SCI or after complex surgeries. Vital signs, neurological status, and the surgical site are continuously observed. Pain control is a key focus post-surgery, typically using medications like opioids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In some cases, nerve blocks or epidural pain control may be used.

 

Risks of Spinal Cord Injury

Risks

  1. Thrombosis
  2. Breathing problems
  3. Neuropathic pain
  4. Nerve pain
  5. Neurogenic bladder dysfunction
  6. Mixed anxiety-depressive disorder
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