Neurosurgery Dr. Stoforou

Chronic pain, non-relieved pain. Minimally invasive spine surgery (MIS).

Chronic pain, non-relieved pain. Minimally invasive spine surgery (MIS, MISS).

Chronic pain, non-relieved pain. Minimally invasive spine surgery (MIS, MISS).

 

Chronic pain, non-relieved pain, creates a morbid condition with progressive physical & social dysfunction.

 

Chronic pain – Treatment

 

That is why we implement a series of treatment programs aimed at restoring physical activity and improving the quality of life for people suffering from chronic pain conditions. Chronic pain management programs are aimed at gradually stopping and relieving the patient from pain medications. Treatment is different for each patient as it is completely dependent on the cause. Thus, the correct aetiological diagnosis contributes decisively to the success of the treatment applied.

 

Developments in the field of neurosurgery (brain surgery and spinal cord surgery) offer ample possibilities in reducing patients’ pain in cases where drug therapy has either failed or is not indicated.

 

CHRONIC PAIN – non-relieved pain

 

There are many cases of patients suffering from chronic pain in the spinal cord. Back pain and Sciatica, i.e. pain caused by back problems that is reflected in the lower extremities and pain following a failed operation in the spinal column (failed back syndrome) are the most common conditions from which most patients who ask for our assistance suffer from. Chronic pain and its management is a multifactorial process that needs individual and special attention and attention. Thorough imaging, paraclinical and neurological investigation, coupled with use of special pain rating scales, are a prerequisite for successful treatment of each patient.

 

DIABETIC NEUROPATHY

 

Diabetic neuropathy is the damage of the nerves that transport the stimuli from the external environment to the brain where they are perceived (ie, we understand or acquire knowledge of a particular change in the environment). Glucose through the bloodstream penetrates the nerves. Increased blood glucose in diabetic patients is not completely metabolised. Unnecessary glucose is converted to sorbitol, a substance responsible for damage to the physiology of the small vessels that feed the nerves at the upper and lower extremities. Poor vascular condition in the upper and lower extremities of patients with diabetes often results in a microangiopathy. In this case, the nerves do not receive blood properly from these vessels and develop neuropathy. The patient begins to feel numbness while gradually sensation in the hands and / or feet decreases. Gradually, these sensations evolve into pain that is hardly constrained by the use of analgesics.

 

POST-HERPETIC NEURALGIA

 

Post-herpetic neuralgia is the pain of the nerves due to damage caused by the virus of herpes zoster. Nerve pain corresponds to a region of the skin and usually precedes but may also follow the onset of herpes zoster. The damage caused by the presence of herpes in the nerve produces the sending of abnormal electrical signals to the brain. Thus, these pathological signals are perceived as pain, which can last for months, years or even for the entire life of the patient.

 
METASTATIC / CANCER PAIN

 

Bone metastatic disease is the most common bone malignancy and is clinically manifested with pain, reduced mobility, fractures and poor quality of life. The main therapeutic goal is to relieve pain with what this implies. Metastases originate in order of frequency from the prostate, breast, lungs, kidneys, thyroid and are located in the spine, the pelvis, the ribs and the extremities. The spine is the most common localization of bone metastases and progress in the treatment of pain is spectacular.

 

To treat cancer pain, it is advisable to place a continuous subarachnoid infusion pump (morphine) or a pump implant for continuous drug delivery (morphine) to the subarachnoid space.

 

TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA

 

Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by a strong and short-lasting pain, which is located in the region of the trigeminal nerve distribution, that is, the face. The trigeminal nerve is the nerve responsible for transferring the sensation of pain, temperature, and touch from the face to the brain. Pain in the trigeminal neuralgia can be repeated several times a day and is caused by movements such as speaking and chewing.

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