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! had an accident 12 years ago - crushed c-3 and hern c-2 & c-4, was paralyzed from neck down for about an hour. Had c-3 replaced with cadabber bone fusion which seemed to solve most of the problems. I still had minor numbness in thumb and index finger of left hand. Dr. Wolfgang Kirsch was the Neurosurgeon.As the years passed the numbness in my left hand increased to the point that it felt like I was wearing a glove on my hand and I was dropping things, the pain increased to the point that I decided to seek medical help.In June, 2009 - after X-rays & MRI - I had another surgery replacing c-4, c-5 & c-6 replaced with ceramic discs held in place with a titanium plate and eight screws. I wore a bone stimulator and neck brace etc. Nothing seemed to have changed. I was sent for more X-rays. I was sent to physical therapy. In Nov. 2009 I had another MRI & X-rays - surgery was scheduled and done in late Dec. - this surgery was from the back - the others from the front. Now my right hand i
Optional Information: Gender: maleAge: 65 Already Tried: there was not enough room on the previous page to fully ask the question - which is - my right hand is now going numb also the Dr. C. Douglas -Neurological Surgeon had another MRI done but wants to send me to a Nerve Specialist - which I would assume would be to help with the pain - but I need my hands - the touch and feel for delicate calibration work - I need to know if there is a chance of getting that back to at least train other people to do my job. Should I look for another surgeon or give up? Please help
Hi.Welcome to JustAnswer. I shall try my best to assist you while you are corresponding with me.
You have indeed been very lucky that you did not become a paaraplegic, as most of the cases of cervical fracture do not live to see the next day. Marvelous and miraculous surgery done and a very willful recovery. You are indeed very fortunate.
Now, coming to the question. You have had a series of surgeries on your spinal cord, which has over time produced scaring and fibrosis in and around it causing gradually the loss of sensation, pain and numbness and loss of motor function to your upper limbs. The scar tissue is probably compressing these nerves and making them loose their function and causing tingling pain which is a sign of nerve irritation.
With the advent of new technology and latest research it is often possible to remove this scar tissue with minimally invasive techniques and an experienced Neurosurgeon can remove this tissue however, the job is tidious and time taking and also involves risks. Other than that steroids are often shown to help causing to reduce the inflammation caused by the scar tissue and in neuron regeneration. Nerve fibres and cells have a very very slow growth rate, probably the slowest in the human body and once they die they can never be grown back.
However, new research has shown a positive role of human stem cell implantation in spinal cord injuries and paraplegics.
You can discuss the possibilites of new techniques used for these injuries with your Neurosurgeon or get a second opinion. Meanwhile you can visit an Anesthetist or a Nerve specialist to help you with the pain. Gabapentin analogues and Pregabalin are the latest drugs in the market for nerve pain and have shown to be very effective.
I think your case deserves to be approached in a multidisciplinary fashion and a team of Neurosurgeons, neurologists,nerve specialists and Biogenetic engineers should discuss the possible recovery or regeneration of your nerves.
I suggest that you discuss this with a Neurosurgeon and chalk out a nice and neat management plan for yourself. And not loose hope at this point in time. God bless!
Hope this helps.
-Regards.
Sorry I've taken so long to answer - I am taking the medications you mentioned already.But how should I approach this matter as something that should be discussed amongst a team or even get a second opinion from another neurosurgeon? Our company changed to an HMO a few years ago, and I am just not that familiar with the health care industry, unfortunately - any suggestions??? Anyone in the Corona, Ca. area?
I apoligise, I got caught up in an emergency.
I'm sorry I can't help you with any references. I think you will need to ask your Neurosurgeon to refer you or get a team of people together, you will have to take his help in this matter. Your insurance provider can also help you locate a good Neurosurgeon.
You can check out different hospitals in your vicinity for good Neurosurgeons and ask them if they can take your case up as a team.
Experience: MBBS, FCPS (R) General Surgery. Years of experience in Emergency Medicine.