Author | Spine Specialist in Chandigarh

Cerebral Edema – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Cerebral edema is a life-threatening condition where fluids develop in the brain and cause it to swell. This fluid increases the pressure around the brain – this pressure inside the skull is also known as intracranial pressure (ICP). Cerebral edema refers to the swelling of the brain due to trapped fluid. Dr. Anil Dhingra, Neurosurgeon in Chandigarh, highlights the symptoms and causes of Cerebral edema. Symptoms While it can be very difficult for doctors to accurately diagnose Cerebral edema without appropriate tests and evaluations, there are certain symptoms in case of a head injury that can be linked to swelling. Symptoms of cerebral edema may include: • Loss of memory • Headache, nausea and dizziness • Difficulty in speaking • Loss of consciousness • Difficulty in moving Causes • Traumatic brain injury (TBI) – Falls and other forms of such physical contact can cause an acute trauma and brain swelling. • Stroke – Some strokes such as an ischemic stroke are the result of blood clots restricting the flow of blood to the brain. This lack of oxygen can cause swelling. • Infection – Bacteria or viruses can infect the brain and result in these swellings as well. • Brain haemorrhage – Ruptures and leaks in the blood vessels in the brain can cause inflammation and cause an increase in the ICP. Treatment • Medication – The use of drugs prescribed by doctors depending upon the severity on one’s condition, can reduce the swelling and blood clots. • Hypothermia – […]

Cervical Fusion – Causes and Types of the Procedure

For the relief from the painful symptoms caused by cervical spine disorders, many times surgery is required. Dehydration of disks is one of the most common underlying root causes of most spine disorders. As people age beyond 30, the gelatine-like centres dry out and become flattened. This results in the vertebrae losing its height and the healthy resilience it had. Subsequently, this degeneration pushes the vertebrae closer and causes nerve irritation, which usually stems from a ruptured disc, bone spurs, or stenosis. Dr Anil Dhingra, the best endoscopic spine surgeon, discusses cervical spinal fusion which is a surgery that joins selected bones in the neck (cervical spine) Types of Cervical Fusion There are two types of cervical fusion procedures: anterior cervical fusion, and posterior cervical fusion. Anterior Cervical Fusion One of the most common surgical procedures for problems in the cervical spine is Anterior cervical discectomy. The word ‘discectomy’ refers to “remove the disc.” This is a procedure that is used to relieve pressure on a spinal nerve or the spinal cord that is caused by a herniated disc. In this procedure, the disc is usually removed from the front of your cervical spine. An incision is made in the front of your neck beside your trachea (windpipe). The muscles are moved to the side. The arteries and nerves in your neck are also protected. Upon reaching the front of your spine, your doctor will use an X-ray to identify the problem disc. This disc is removed all the way […]

Symptoms, Types and Causes of Cerebrovascular Diseases

A group of conditions, disorders, and diseases that affect the blood vessels and blood supply to the brain is termed as cerebrovascular disease. Stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), aneurysm and vascular malformation are included in cerebrovascular diseases. Dr. Anil Dhingra, the best surgeon in Chandigarh points out symptoms, causes, and types of cerebrovascular diseases. Symptoms The location of the blockage and its impact on brain tissue is responsible for the symptoms of the disease. However, some common symptoms are as follows: Severe and sudden headache Paralysis or weakness of one side of the body Confusion Difficulty in communicating or slurred speech Losing vision on one side Loss of balance Types Types of cerebrovascular diseases include: Ischemic Stroke When a blood clot or atherosclerotic plaque blocks a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain, it is known as Ischemic stroke. A blood clot may form in an already narrow artery. Death of brain cells because of the lack of supply of blood to the brain is responsible for a stroke. Embolism When a clot breaks off in the body and travels to the brain to block a smaller artery, it is known as Embolism. A tear in the carotid artery can also lead to ischemic stroke. The tear allows blood to flow between the layers of the carotid artery which results in narrowing of the artery and reducing blood supply to the brain. Hemorrhagic stroke A disease which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain weakens and bursts open […]

Types, Symptoms, and Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system, particularly brain, spine and optic nerves. An autoimmune is a medical condition in which the immune system attacks healthy tissues just as it might attack a virus or bacteria. In Multiple Sclerosis, the myelin sheath that surrounds and protects the nerve fibers is attacked by the immune system, causing inflammation. When myelin sheath disappears or sustains damage in multiple areas, it leaves a scar or sclerosis. These are also called plaques or lesions in medical terms. These lesions affect the brain stem, cerebellum, spinal cord, optic nerves, etc. Dr. Anil Dhingra, the best endoscopic spine surgeon discusses a detailed description of types, symptoms, and treatment of Multiple Sclerosis: TYPES OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS): Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) It is the first episode of neurologic symptoms and is caused by inflammation of the central nervous system. The symptoms last for 24 hours but do not yet meet the criteria for a diagnosis of MS. The people who experience CIS may or may not develop MS in the future. Relapse- Remitting MS (RRMS) RRMS is the most common disease course. It is characterized by an attack of new or increasing symptoms which is followed by periods of complete or partial recovery. During the period of recovery, some symptoms may disappear or some symptoms may continue to become permanent. Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS) People diagnosed with RRMS will eventually transform into the secondary progressive course in which there is a progressive worsening […]

Occipital Neuralgia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

The nerves that run from the top of the spinal cord up through the scalp are known as occipital nerves. A medical condition in which occipital nerves gets inflamed or injured is called Occipital Neuralgia. Dr Anil Dhingra, a well-experienced neurosurgeon in Chandigarh highlights the symptoms and causes of Occipital Neuralgia. Symptoms Many times, the pain is confused with migraine or other types of headache as the symptoms are similar. However, the treatments are different so it is essential to get it diagnosed from a doctor. Symptoms of Occipital Neuralgia include: Aching and throbbing pain which begins at the base of the head and goes to the scalp. One or both sides of the head aching. Pain behind the eye. Increased Sensitivity to light. A Tender scalp. Pain in the movement of the neck. Causes Pressure or irritation on the occipital nerve because of injury could be the reason behind Occipital Neuralgia. Besides this some medical conditions that are linked to it are as follows: Trauma received by the back of the head. Tightening of neck muscles. Osteoarthritis Cervical disc disease Inflammation of blood vessels. Treatment When encountered with pain you can try some home remedies for temporary relief which includes: Applying heat to the neck. Taking some rest in an isolated dark place. Massage the painful muscles of the neck. Once you are temporarily relieved of the pain, immediately see a Neurosurgeon who may write you some anti-inflammatory medicines, muscle relaxants or nerve blocks depending on your condition. Occipital […]

Emotional Problems after Traumatic Brain Injury

Often after getting a traumatic brain injury there comes a significant shift in the way a person thinks and feels. Emotional problem is one such issue that persons with traumatic brain injury face. Dr Anil Dhingra, listed among the best brain surgeon in Chandigarh highlights some emotional problems people with a traumatic brain injury has to face and how can they deal with it. Mood Swings Sometimes brain injury affects the portion of the brain that controls emotions of a person. As a result of which episodes of sudden crying and laughing or “the emotional roller-coaster” increases. A person might be angry at a moment and be laughing at next. Often, there is no trigger of such fluctuations in mood which is why this becomes confusing for the family. However, episodes of mood swings decrease after a few months of injury but if it doesn’t improve over time, seeking medical help is suggested. Anxiety Intense, excessive and persistent worry or fear about everyday situations is termed as anxiety. Rapid heart rate, heavy breathing, and sweating are common symptoms of anxiety. People with traumatic brain injury face difficulty in concentrating and problem-solving due to which they might not be able to complete a task. This is the reason for anxiety in such patients. Sometimes, sudden flashbacks of the incident which led to the injury might also lead to anxiety. This is known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Treatment for anxiety varies from patient to patient, that is why getting checked […]

Parkinson’s Disease

A neurological condition that affects the speed, fluency, quality, and ease of movement is termed as a movement disorder. Cerebral Palsy, Ataxia, and Tourette syndrome including Parkinson’s disease are some of the movement disorders which affect a person’s ability to move or stay still. Dr Anil Dhingra best neurosurgeon in Chandigarh discusses the symptoms, causes treatment of Parkinson’s disease as follows: What is Parkinson’s disease? Parkinson’s is the disease which damages our central nervous system which includes our brain and spine. It is a medical condition which damages the cells that makes dopamine in a part of the brain. Dopamine cells are responsible for sending information to other cells which makes us do the actions we need to do. Parkinson’s disease makes these cells die as a result of which the motor system of our body gets affected. What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease? Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease vary from individual to individual. Some of the symptoms are as follows: – Tremor: Tremor is an uncontrolled shaking which usually begins in hands and arms but it can sometimes happen in jaw or feet too. – Stiffness: Parkinson’s cause rigidness which makes it difficult to move parts of the body. – Slow movements: Actions like walking, eating and even talking, becomes hard and slow in Parkinson’s disease. In medical terms, this condition is called Bradykinesia. – Changes in Walking: One of the common signs witnessed in patients with Parkinson’s is that your arms stop swinging when you walk. Gradually, your […]

Neuropathy: Causes & Symptoms

Our whole body consists of millions of nerves, that carry messages from one part of the body to another thus making our nervous system work. The nerves at any part or location of our body can get damaged by some injury or disease. These general diseases and malfunctioning of nerves are referred to as Neuropathy. Dr. Anil Dhingra an endoscopic spine surgeon in Chandigarh will tell you all about Neuropathy. It is usually classified on the basis of cause, and location of the nerves that affected. For example, if nerves of brain or spinal cord are affected then it is referred to as Peripheral Neuropathy. Causes of Neuropathy: – Vitamin Deficiency Deficiency of the B vitamins and folate can cause damage to nerves. The more specific is vitamin B12. Genetic or Inherited Disorders Genetic or inherited Disorders can one of the common reasons behind neuropathy. For example, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and Friedreich’s ataxia. Drugs or Medication Certain Drugs and Medications can cause Neuropathy. Even excessive use of any drug can also lead to the same. Trauma/Injury Prolonged pressure on a particular nerve, any injury or certain kind of trauma are the most common causes of neuropathy. Even the decreased blood flow to certain nerves can also lead to prolonged damage. Diabetes A most common condition associated with peripheral neuropathy is diabetes. It is most common for the people who are suffering from diabetes for a long time and have a problem in controlling it. Symptoms: – The gradual loss of feeling, […]

What is Micro Discectomy?

Surgical procedures earlier meant large incisions, long recovery period and painful rehab. Now, with the evolution of technology, surgical procedures aren’t as painful as they were earlier. We as the best neurosurgeon in Chandigarh explain the term. • What is Micro Discectomy? Microdiscectomy also known as microdecompression or microdiskectomy is a minimal invasive surgical procedure performed on herniated lumbar disc. During the surgery, surgeon removes portions of herniated disc to relieve pressure on the spinal nerve column. • How is Micro Discectomy Performed? Microdiscectomy is performed to remove the disc material placing pressure on nerves. The patient is under the influence of anesthesia when the surgery is performed. Surgeon makes 1 to 12 inches of incision on affected disc and uses a lighted microscope to see the affected area. The surgeon will then remove the damaged herniated tissue relieving the pressure on the nerve. The incision is then closed with sutures. • Risks Involved in Micro Discectomy Complications in microdiscectomy are rare. However, there are some risks involved which includes: 1. In 1% to 2% surgeries, there is a risk of leak of cerebrospinal fluid (Dural tear). 2. Nerve root damage. 3. In 5% of cases, there is a risk of recurrent disc herniation. 4. Bowel/bladder inconsistence. 5. Infection 6. Bleeding • Advantages of Micro Discectomy As microdiscectomy is a small invasive surgery, there are certain advantages involved in the surgery. 1. Small incision on skin. 2. Less damage to surrounding tissues. 3. Pain is relieved immediately. 4. Recovery period […]

Sciatica Pains And Its Causes

Sciatica is a common type of pain affecting the sciatic nerve, which is a large nerve in humans and other animals. Sciatic nerve begins in the lower back and runs through the buttock and lower limb. The Sciatica pain may go down the back, outside, or front of the leg. The most common symptoms of sciatica include lower back pain which extends through the hip and buttock and down one leg. The pain may get worse when you sit, sneeze or cough. Spine specialist in Chandigarh, Dr. Dhingra discussed the common causes of sciatica pain are: – -Risk Factors Smoking, obesity and occupation are some of the modifiable risk factors inflicting sciatica pains. Non-modifiable risk factors include increasing age, and history of back pain. -Spinal Disc Herniation In 90% cases, pressing on one of the lumbar or sacral nerve roots is the most frequent cause of sciatica. It most often occurs during weight lifting. In most of the cases, people below 50 years reported sciatica due to spinal disc herniation. -Spinal Stenosis It is a medical condition in which spinal canal, the space the spinal cord runs through, narrows and compresses the spinal cord or sciatic nerve roots. Bone spurs, inflammation or herniated disc are the major reasons responsible for the narrowing. This is true in the cases for individuals above the age of 50 years. The pain is commonly brought on by standing, walking or sitting for extended periods of time. -Piriformis Syndrome The piriformis is a muscle in […]