The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Lately, I have felt weird about my hand, like tiredness and stiff. I travel a lot due to work, so I thought this was why my hand was tired. But I did a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for a check-up. I will attach the report. I have a problem with my spinal cord. The doctor said it needs surgery, and they will add plates. So, is this kind of surgery risky? What is the procedure of the surgery? What is the recovery time? Will I have any problems after surgery? Will I be able to eat after the surgery? Please answer my questions and please tell me more.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
I saw the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reports (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). However, you did not attach the complete images of obtained MRI. Nevertheless, the attached reports are enough to show your serious situation. The disc between your fifth and sixth cervical spinal bone has protruded significantly with compression on your spinal cord. The severity of compression has caused some signal changes in your spinal cord. It means that you already have some myelopathy (spinal cord injury).
Frankly, you have no choice other than neurosurgical resection. Without such intervention, the compression will cause paralysis of both your legs (paraplegia) or even all of your limbs (quadriplegia), sooner or later.
Every surgery bears some risks, but the risk that threatens you without surgery is significantly higher than the surgery risk.
Answering the rest of your questions is not possible for me because those depend on the approach and way of the procedure that your neurosurgeon may select. However, they are the only ones that can give you the best answer.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
Could you please tell me whether it is an urgent surgery or if we can wait for four months?
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
No, it is not an emergency. However, considering your job and driving in rural areas with rough roads is a significant risk for you. So, it is a surgery that should be done as soon as possible.
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Neurology
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