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Herniated Discs: Treating Complicated Back Issues

If you conducted a poll that asked people what the most frustrating ongoing condition they could have is, it’s fair to say you would get many people that said chronic back pain. Back pain is really in a class of its own when it comes to frequency, lack of explanation, trial and error treatment options, and the sheer number of causes. If you strain yourself, you can injure your back. If you’re sedentary, you can injure your back. If you’ve ever suffered with serious back pain, you know it renders you essentially immobile or at least unable to comfortably function in any real capacity.

While there are many causes of back pain that bring their own frustrations and treatment options, let’s focus on what happens if you have a herniated disc. Herniated discs are one of the most common conditions that affect the back. Just because you’re not feeling symptoms today doesn’t mean there isn’t something structurally off right now that could lead to complications later. That, unfortunately, is the nature of our spines. Additionally, what can cause you pain today may not necessarily cause you pain next week. Back pain can come and go for a number of reasons. It can also return seemingly out of nowhere.

Back pain is a leading contributor to missed work days. This is bad for everyone to say nothing of our own personal comfort. That’s why it’s so important to get the proper treatment to address a herniated disc. Relief is possible, though it is often a process. Multiple treatment options will be explored in order to help you find some comfort. Here is what you need to know about herniated discs and what you can expect when you speak to your doctor about your back pain.

Why a herniated disc can cause so much pain

Discs are important structures in your spine. They are the spongy matter that fits between each vertabrae. They essentially provide us with our range of motion and flexibility. Like with most parts of the body, we can’t function when bone is on bone. This is when pain and inflexibility kicks in. Our discs protect our spine from sudden jolts or impact that would otherwise jostle the vertebrae if they weren’t present. Healthy discs are even what allow us to walk comfortably. If you think about it, without that support, even the simple fact of standing too long would put excessive pressure on our spine. That’s why it’s so uncomfortable and painful when a disc moves out of place, no matter how slightly. Once a disc herniates, it can create pressure on the surrounding soft tissue and nerves. This is where that painful sensation comes from. In some instances, a disc can even rupture. The gel that makes up the center of the disc can leak out and cause irritation in the spine.

How does a disc move out of place?

Any kind of significant strain or compression can cause a disc to move out of place. Typically, it happens as a result of an accident. A fall or a car crash can certainly cause it. Weight lifters experience herniated discs if they put too much strain on their backs while training. We generally associate herniated discs with being overextended or from suffering a sudden, violent jolt that shocks the spine. However, this isn’t always the case.

Disc herniation becomes more likely as we age because of how our bodies begin to break down through unavoidable wear and tear. You don’t need to be an athlete or suffer an accident to slip a disc. Being overweight and even smoking are big risk factors. Smoking, like age, makes our discs thinner and more prone to injury. Repetitive motions can cause it as well as sitting or standing too long.

What is treatment like?

Treatment is a multi-part process. Medication to reduce pain, and especially inflammation, is an important first step. Alternating heat and cold for the inflammation is also key. Mostly, your doctor will direct you to do certain stretching exercises to strengthen the back and shore up support. Physical therapy is often recommended for continued maintenance. If you don’t respond to medication, cortisone injections can help. Surgery is often the last resort due to it being an invasive procedure. Part of the disk may be removed or replaced entirely with an artificial disk.

Conclusion

Accepting back pain as just a fact of life isn’t the right approach. For your health, you need to speak to a medical professional about the possibility of a herniated disc. Relief is possible with early intervention and the use of various treatment options. If you suspect you have a herniated disc or you suffer with back pain in general, contact us today to schedule an appointment. The team at Acadiana Neurosurgery is here to provide you with the care you need so you can go back to living a life without debilitating back pain.

Author admin Categories Medical

Identifying and Treating the Different Kinds of Brain Tumors

There are certain diagnoses that a person can’t really prepare for. Hearing the words come out of your doctor’s mouth can feel like you’ve just been punched in the gut. Initial feelings of fear and possible hopelessness may take hold. This is normal. But, what you need to know is that a diagnosis is just that. It’s not a confirmation set in stone or a condemnation. Treatment options have never been better for nearly every condition and in the right hands, you may make a full recovery.

These are all things you may experience and need to keep in mind when talking about being diagnosed with a brain tumor. Hearing those words can be a shock. It’s the next steps that are taken that will be critical to your health.

Being diagnosed with a brain tumor can make you feel a lot of things at once. But, what you need to understand is that they are treatable. Even more important to understand is the fact that a brain tumor isn’t automatically a brain cancer diagnosis. What many people lose sight of is that you can develop non-cancerous brain tumors. That’s not to say a benign tumor still isn’t a serious medical condition that will need to be addressed. But, the additional worry of it spreading isn’t there. When dealing with medical issues of the severity of brain tumors, it’s important to have as much information as possible. While only your doctor can provide the guidance you need through this process, some introductory information can be helpful. Here is what you need to know about the various types of brain tumors and how your doctor may choose to treat them.

What causes brain tumors?

It’s not entirely understood why some people develop brain tumors. What you should know is that relatively speaking they aren’t very common. It’s believed about 80,000 diagnoses will be made in the United States this year, with a third of them being malignant. Yes, benign tumors are the most common kind. Brain cancer is, however, the leading cancer-related cause of death in children 0-14 years old. Primary brain tumors are less common in adults and they are usually a secondary condition caused by the spreading of cancer from elsewhere.

While it’s nearly impossible to predict who will develop a brain tumor, there are some known risk factors. Genetic factors, including a family history, can be an indicator. Additionally, smoking and HIV infection increases the chances of developing tumors. Exposure to radiation is another risk factor, along with other environmental hazards.

A brain tumor is an umbrella term for various specific types. Each type brings its own complications or risk factors.

What are the different types?

When dealing with primary brain tumors rather than metastatic, the three main types are gliomas, meningiomas, and pituitary adenomas. Gliomas develop in the supporting tissue of the brain. They make up the vast majority of malignant brain tumors. Meningiomas make up a third of primary brain tumors and they are benign. They develop in the coverings of the brain and spinal cord. Pituitary adenomas develop in the pituitary gland which regulates the body’s hormones. Most of these tumors are benign, though in rare cases they can be malignant. They can cause either the overproduction of certain hormones or limit their production depending on the exact location of the tumor.

Are there symptoms to look for?

Brain tumor symptoms can be tricky because they can be symptoms of other things. Headaches that become progressively worse and more frequent with time is how many people present. However, other symptoms to look out for include seizures, trouble walking, coordination problems, weakness, vision problems, changes in cognitive abilities and mood, speech problems, and vomiting.

Essentially, if you begin to feel neurological related symptoms that you’ve never experienced before, it’s highly recommended you bring them up to your doctor. Even if it’s not a brain tumor, it could be another serious condition.

What is treatment like?

Individual circumstances dictate treatment. If surgery is a possibility, it will be used to try and remove the tumor. Due to the fact you’re dealing with the brain, surgery brings significant risk and it isn’t always a viable option. If that’s the case, radiation and chemotherapy will be used to try and shrink the tumor. Situations change and surgery can eventually become an option. Ultimately, your neurosurgeon will provide the guidance you need.

Conclusion

A brain tumor diagnosis can be a shock. After receiving your diagnosis, your focus will turn to treating it and beating the thing. In order to do that, you need care provided by an experienced neurosurgeon who can provide the expert treatments necessary to shrink or surgically remove the tumor. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. The team at Acadiana Neurosurgery are experts in the field of treating brain tumors of all types. While a brain tumor diagnosis can be scary, there is hope. Start the process of receiving the treatment you need today.

Author admin Categories LifeStyle, Medical

Finding Relief from Spinal Stenosis

There are few things worse than consistent neck or back pain. In fact, lower back pain is the leading cause of disability and missed work days in the world. The difficulty when it comes to pain related to the spine is that there can be so many different causes, each with overlapping symptoms. It’s not a surprise to anyone with chronic back pain that it’s especially difficult to diagnose the root cause of it.

That’s not to say it’s always a process of trial and error when it comes to diagnosing a specific ailment that is affecting your spine. Some of them, however, are fairly straightforward in diagnosis with the use of imaging testing and an evaluation of medical history. One such common condition that particularly affects people as they get older is spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is progressive and can cause more troubling symptoms as time goes on. If you’ve been experiencing more discomfort in your neck and back along with some neurological issues like numbness, you need to see a neurologist for a proper diagnosis so you can begin treatment as soon as possible. Here are some of the symptoms of spinal stenosis, the different types, and how it can be treated.

What are the symptoms of spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a progressive narrowing of the spine. As the spinal canal narrows, this puts pressure on the many nerves that travel through the spine and can lead to a variety of symptoms beyond the pain and discomfort you can imagine this would cause. Some of the common symptoms of spinal stenosis include localized pain where the spinal column has primarily narrowed, radiating pain into the arms or legs, burning and weakness in extremities, numbness in extremities, loss of sensation, abnormal reflexes, a change in gait, and imbalance.

Some people find that shifting their position, particularly by leaning forward while sitting, may temporarily relieve some of their symptoms because of the widening of the spinal column produced by this positioning. The pressure on the nerves also lessens.

How can you get it?

It’s believed that about 8-11% of Americans suffer with spinal stenosis. It is generally something that develops with age and older people are more likely to develop it. Aging and accompanying changes in the body are the biggest cause. The spine joints become thicker and ligaments become stiffer, which doesn’t allow for as much range of motion. Also, as arthritis progresses with age, so too can the chances of developing spinal stenosis. Gradual compression of the discs and degenerative disc disease can also cause a narrowing of the spinal column. Bone spurs in the spine can also be a cause. In rare instances, spinal stenosis can also be the result of a traumatic injury or the growth of a tumor in the area.

Are there different types?

Spinal stenosis can occur in different parts of the spine, which can produce different symptoms. The higher up the stenosis occurs, the higher the chance of neurological symptoms being present and more severe. There are three main types of spinal stenosis. The first is cervical spinal stenosis. The narrowing of the spinal column occurs in the neck. The highest risks are associated with cervical because of the location and the danger of paralysis. Second is lumbar spinal stenosis which affects the lower back and can radiate into the buttocks and legs. Then there is thoracic spinal stenosis which affects the middle back and is much less common than the other two types.

What are the treatment options available?

Treatment varies depending on the person, the location of the stenosis, and how it has progressed. Mild cases respond well to oral medications that are anti-inflammatory. They are sometimes combined with steroid injections in the area to help combat the inflammation. Physical therapy can improve circulation and provide relief. Typically, treatment remains conservative, but that doesn’t help in every case. If these measures aren’t producing results, surgery may be recommended. The spinal column will be expanded and a portion of the vertebrae will be removed. Spinal fusion will be used to stabilize the area.

Conclusion

Spinal stenosis can have a tremendous impact on the quality of your life depending on where it is located and the severity of the condition. While pain and discomfort are problematic enough, neurological symptoms like numbness, loss of balance or control, and even paralysis are incredibly serious. If you’ve been experiencing pain and other troubling symptoms that point to an issue in your spine, you need to seek professional care from the experts equipped to deal with these delicate conditions. Book an appointment online with us today to set up a consultation. The team at Acadiana Neurosurgery has the expertise necessary to provide you with the spinal stenosis treatment and care you need so you can get your life back.

Author admin Categories Medical

8 Warning Signs of a Brain Tumor

A brain tumor is such a devastating diagnosis that it may seem to be a rare occurrence to those who are not confronting the health challenge themselves. It is actually the 10th most common cause of death for both women and men. Estimates from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) suggest that 9620 men and 7080 women – 16,700 people total – will die because of primary cancerous brain or central nervous system (CNS) tumors this year. Clearly a brain tumor is a serious health issue. However, many people do survive them. There will be about 10,350 women and 13,450 men diagnosed with brain and spinal cord tumors this year; each of those people will need expert treatment to facilitate recovery and sustain their quality of life.

No one wants to run to the doctor with every little ache or pain, though. How do you know if you should get professional guidance? Watch for these 8 typical warning signs:

  1. Seizures
  2. Headaches
  3. Clumsiness
  4. Slight vision impairment
  5. Numbness
  6. Stuttering or slurred speech
  7. Difficulty thinking and remembering
  8. Exhaustion or weakness

 

#1 – Seizures

The tumor will typically irritate the brain, causing uncontrolled firing of its neurons and, in turn, abnormal motion. A seizure could be isolated to a limb or part of your face, or it could be full-body.

#2 – Headaches

It is not easy to tell if a headache is caused by a tumor, but sometimes that is the case. Features of headaches that could be linked to tumors are that the headache occurs every day and does not seem to resolve – instead gradually worsening as time passes. The headache is typically there as soon as you get out of bed because your body is responding to the intracranial pressure that arises from an extended period lying down. It is important to go to a doctor if your headache does not respond to over-the-counter medicine or other typical headache treatments. Note that the degree of pain will not be an indicator of the size or growth speed of the tumor.

#3 – Clumsiness

Are you having trouble with your mobility (getting across the room), dexterity (trouble getting your key in the lock), or balance? These problems in your body could be connected to a brain tumor. You also might have difficulty with simple, seemingly non-physical tasks such as talking, managing your facial expressions, or even swallowing.

#4 – Slight vision impairment

Unfortunately, if you are struggling to see the world clearly, you may not know that you are experiencing a problem at all. Often, patients who have this symptom will repeatedly run into objects (with their bodies) or even get into vehicular collisions on the side that the eye is having trouble.

This difficulty with peripheral vision is technically called bitemporal hemianopsia, explains Med School Tutors medical codirector Christopher Carrubba, MD. “We often see this symptom with pituitary tumors that compress the optic chiasm, or part of the visual pathway,” he says.

#5 – Numbness

Just like clumsiness or seizures can be experienced throughout the body (as opposed to something that is contained to one body part such as vision), you may lose feeling either in your face or another region. Clumsiness and numbness often indicate that the tumor is on the brain stem, the place where the spinal cord and brain meet.

#6 – Stuttering or slurred speech

Are you having difficulty comprehending other people’s speech or coming up with the names of objects, or are you stuttering? That could mean that you have a tumor in your temporal or frontal lobes – regions that control language processing and speech motor functions. Wernicke’s area and Broca’s area are two sites within the brain that can be involved; the former controls language comprehension, while the latter moves our muscles to allow the sound that is necessary for speech. Tumors in those areas can block their capabilities.

#7 – Difficulty thinking and remembering

Tumors can lead to risky and out-of-character behaviors that do not seem to fit with an individual’s personality. However, the sort of sea change in mental processing that has been popularized by Hollywood and elsewhere should not be considered a standard response to a brain tumor. It’s likelier that you will experience thought issues that are less grandiose, such as challenges with your memory or a sense of confusion.

#8 – Exhaustion or weakness

Management of muscle movement within the body is handled by the motor cortex – with the left motor cortex controlling the right side, and vice versa. When a tumor exists along that line of communication, you lose function because signals cannot get through properly. While you may not have pain in your arm or leg, you may have difficulty getting it to work correctly.

What should you do?

The above symptoms give you a sense that you might have a brain tumor. Suspecting a tumor is just the first step. It is critical to move forward both swiftly and practically.

Are you worried that you might have a brain tumor or another neurological condition? Offering both surgical and nonsurgical approaches, Acadiana Neurosurgery provides patient-centered care based on an in-depth evaluation and analysis of each patient’s unique situation. See our reviews.

Author admin Categories LifeStyle, Medical

Care Tips for Sports-Related Concussion

Note: Did you just experience a concussion? See the first section, “All ages: 4-step plan following a concussion.”

People usually recover from concussions in 7 to 10 days. Unfortunately, approximately 1 in 10 concussions involve a more drawn-out healing process. The worst ones have a lifelong impact.

Related to sports, second impact syndrome is a legitimate concern, since sustaining multiple concussions within a relatively short window can lead to severe injury – as indicated by the nonprofit Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey (BIANJ).

Let’s look at standardized, recognized care tips for sports-related concussion recovery, followed by the option of getting expert care.

 

  • All ages: 4-step plan following a concussion
  • 5 tips for child concussion recovery
  • 14 tips for adult concussion recovery
  • Expert care for full recovery

 

All ages: 4-step plan following a concussion

Canadian pediatric information site Caring for Kids talks about what you should do immediately following a concussion. These steps are framed in terms of kids, but the same basic game-plan applies if you have a concussion yourself. Here is the plan:

  1. Your child should immediately stop playing the sport.
  2. Keep an eye on your child at all times.
  3. Get your child to the doctor as quickly as you can.
  4. If your child is unconscious, go straight to an ER or dial 911. Do not attempt to move your child or take off any athletic gear such as helmets. Wait for the EMTs.

5 tips for child concussion recovery

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released advice, both for children and adults, for how to best respond to a concussion. First, here are the agency’s 5 child concussion recovery tips:

  1. Make sure that your child is sleeping well and resting during the day. Your son or daughter’s sleep schedule should be consistent. Prohibit sleepovers and late nights.
  2. Outlaw sports during recovery. Ban activities that involve speed or danger, such as bike-riding, using a jungle gym, or going on a fair ride. Wait for doctor approval before continuing with those activities, said the CDC.
  3. Do not give any drugs to your son or daughter without first clearing them with your physician.
  4. Ask your doctor when it would make sense for your child to go back to school and extra-curricular groups. Also speak with them about how you might be able to assist with recovery. “[Y]our child may need to spend fewer hours at school, rest often, or require more time to take tests,” advises the CDC.
  5. Once you have some resources from personal research or through your doctor, get information about concussion to siblings, parents, teachers, babysitters, and coaches who will be responsible for your child. These individuals should know how they can be supportive.

If your child is injured, you may get additional ideas by looking through the adult tips that follow.

14 tips for adult concussion recovery

Here are 14 concussion recovery tips for adults (also from the CDC):

  1. It is critically important that you allow yourself to rest. Sleep well, and rest during the day as needed.
  2. Try not to do anything that is too intensive either physically or mentally. Those include hard exercise, moving furniture, balancing your finances, or other strongly focused work. Difficult physical and mental tasks can slow the recovery and contribute to symptoms.
  3. Be very careful about the notion of danger related to second impacts. That means staying away from activities that have a high risk of another head injury, such as sports. It is also a good idea to stay away from amusement park rides and recreational vehicles that cause jostling.
  4. Do not jump straight into full activity, but reintroduce your regular schedule gradually.
  5. Since reaction times are negatively affected by concussion, talk to your doctor about the appropriate time to start driving a car or riding a bike again.
  6. Your doctor should be able to help you figure out the best time to return to work, said the CDC. It is also a good idea to ask them how to talk with your workplace about your condition, added the agency.
  7. Speak with your workplace about making a slow return to your job and possibly changing the way that you work and your hours during recovery.
  8. Avoid drugs other than ones that your doctor says are acceptable. Similarly, stay away from alcohol. These substances put you at risk of additional damage.
  9. If you are having memory problems, write down things that you are afraid you might forget.
  10. If you are having difficulty keeping focused, center yourself on a single activity at a time. Finish your phone call before preparing a meal rather than doing both at once.
  11. Question your judgment after a concussion. Speak with loved ones prior to making any big decisions.
  12. Be conscientious about taking care of basic needs, such as regular meals.
  13. Do not play video games or spend a lot of time in front of a computer while you are recovering.
  14. Try not to take any flights, since air travel can worsen symptoms.

Expert care for full recovery

Do you need help recovering from a sports-related concussion, whether for yourself or your child? Hopefully the above information is helpful – but you may also benefit from professional care. At Acadiana Neurosurgery, we have extensive experience diagnosing and treating concussions, helping patients get the care they need for optimal outcomes. Request an appointment.

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