Symptoms and Surgical Procedures
In What Situations Is a Surgical Evaluation Necessary?
In cases of diseases affecting the nervous system, seeking a medical evaluation at the right time is crucial for preventing the progression of these conditions. The primary neurological symptoms that require evaluation at the Egemed Hospital Neurosurgery Outpatient Clinic are as follows:
[ Neurological Symptoms to Watch For ]
- Radiating Pain: Severe pain that radiates from the lower back to the legs or from the neck to the arms and does not subside with rest.
- Weakness and Numbness: Difficulty holding objects with the hands, stumbling, weakness in the legs, constant tingling, and loss of sensation.
- Bladder and Bowel Control: Inability to control urination or bowel movements, which are advanced symptoms of a herniated disc or spinal cord compression.
- Headaches: Headaches that are particularly severe in the morning, accompanied by nausea and vomiting, or headaches of an intensity not previously experienced.
- Other Neurological Symptoms: Speech disorders, double vision, loss of balance, difficulty walking, and unexplained fainting spells.
The Medical Process: From Diagnosis to Surgical Planning
At the Egemed Hospitals Neurosurgery Clinic, state-of-the-art medical diagnostic methods are used to diagnose diseases. Each patient is thoroughly evaluated before a decision to proceed with surgery is made:
The physician evaluates the patient’s reflexes, muscle strength, sensory functions, and balance while walking using objective tests.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is used to examine soft tissues, discs, and nerve roots, while Computed Tomography (CT) is used in cases involving bone structure or trauma.
In cases of nerve entrapment or root compression, this is a diagnostic method performed in collaboration with the Neurology Clinic to measure the electrical conduction velocity of the nerves.
[ Medical Evaluation and Decision ]
Based on radiological and clinical findings, the patient’s need for medical (pharmacological), physical therapy, or surgical treatment is determined. In cases where a decision is made to proceed with surgery, the medical informed consent process is completed by thoroughly discussing the surgical technique, medical risks, alternative treatments, and expected benefits with the patient and their family.
Preoperative Preparation and Recovery Process
The effectiveness of surgical procedures is closely linked to proper preoperative medical preparation and postoperative rehabilitation processes:
[ Preoperative Preparation ]
- Anesthesia Evaluation: The patient’s laboratory tests, ECG, and lung imaging studies are reviewed by the anesthesiologist.
- Medication Management: To manage the risk of bleeding during surgery, the patient’s regular medications (especially blood thinners) are adjusted under a doctor’s supervision.
- Systemic Monitoring: Parameters related to chronic conditions, such as blood pressure and blood sugar, are stabilized prior to surgery.
[ Postoperative Care and Rehabilitation ]
- Mobilization: Depending on the type of surgical procedure, patients are helped to stand up and walk at the appropriate time under the supervision of the medical team.
- Physical Therapy: In cases where it is deemed necessary (such as spinal stabilization or muscle weakness), in-bed or gym exercises are planned under the supervision of our hospital’s physical therapy specialists.
- Discharge Instructions: The patient is instructed on wound care, the supportive orthoses (corset/neck brace) to be used, and ergonomic movements to be mindful of at home.