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Myths and Facts that you need to know about Brain Tumors

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Myths and Facts that you need to know about Brain Tumors

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When it comes to all types of cancer, there is plenty of information regarding all the aspects of cancers available on the internet, meaning that people can gain all the information they need freely from the numerous websites that contain this information. Although having the appropriate knowledge is a great thing, you must also make sure that you have the correct knowledge. Because one of the biggest problems regarding the information available on the internet, is the accuracy of it. How reliable and how correct are the facts provided on these websites. When people read this, are they obtaining correct information with regard to these conditions?

This is one of the biggest problems faced in the medical field today because, when people read wrong facts about conditions such as cancer, they tend to develop ideas which are then propagated and become myths. These myths move from one person to another until it becomes the truth. When patients visit doctors regarding cancers and brain tumor treatment in Gurgaon, they open up about many such myths they may have come across regarding the risk factors, symptom and especially the treatment of cancers like brain tumors. Dr. Vikas Kathuria, a neurosurgeon doctor in Gurgaon, is here to explain to you some of the common myths that you may come across regarding brain tumors, and why they are nothing but that.

Myth 1:

When a doctor says you may be having a brain tumor, it means that I have cancer of the brain.

The fact regarding this:

This is not so. Because not all brain tumors are cancerous. The word cancer usually refers to condition which are considered malignant, which means that they grow rapidly, are aggressive, can spread from one part of the body to another and are difficult to cure. You have another type of tumor known as a benign tumor, which means that they are not dangerous and complete cure is possible in the case of benign tumors, because all you have to do it remove the mass that has grown in one part of your body. Most brain tumors are benign, although you have malignant tumors as well. So when a doctor suspects you may be having a brain tumor, it is more likely that you have a benign condition and not a malignant one.

Myth 2:

If you work in an environment with high exposure to radiation, you will eventually develop a brain tumor.

The fact regarding this:

Brain tumors are one of the rarest cancers diagnosed in India, with only 3 per 100,000 people being diagnosed with it each year. Although exposure to radiation can have adverse effects on the health of an individual, there is no proven evidence or research findings to prove that it is associated with an increased risk of developing brain tumors.

Myth 3:

There is only type of brain tumor.

The fact regarding this:

There are over 120 different types of brain tumors which have been recorded. Therefore not all brain tumors are the same. Brain tumors differ from each other, depending on the tissue from which the tumor originates, the size of the tumor, the location of it as well as the grade of the tumor.

Myth 4:

All brain tumors arise as a result of abnormality in the behavior of the brain cells.

The fact regarding this:

Brain tumors can be broadly classified into two types. Those which arise from the brain cells itself, which are called primary brain tumors, and those which arise elsewhere in the body and then spread to the brain through the bloodstream, which are called secondary deposits. Some of the most common secondary deposits arise from the lungs, bone, breast and kidney. Secondary deposits are more common than primary brain tumors, and even in the case of primary brain tumors, most of them develop form the cells that support the nerve tissue in the brain and not the nerve tissue directly.

Myth 5:

The symptoms and signs of brain tumors are all the same.

The fact regarding this:

This is not true, because the symptoms and signs of brain tumors depend on a variety of factors, such as the location of the tumor. Because which part of your brain has been affected, plays an important role in determining how the area of the body that it supplies, functions. Some other factors which affect the signs and symptoms produced by a tumor include, the size of the tumor and the grade of the tumor.

Myth 6:

If you are experiencing frequent headaches and blurring of vision it means you have developed brain tumor.

The fact regarding this:

Although headaches and blurring vision are two of the most common symptoms of brain tumors, it is not necessary that everyone who experiences them is having a brain tumor. You cannot come to a diagnosis simply based on their presence. The correct diagnosis requires investigations and imaging techniques such as CT or MRI scan of the brain.

Myth 7:

Only elderly people can develop brain tumors.

The fact regarding this:

Age does not play a role in determining your risk of developing a brain tumor. Because even newborn babies have been recorded to have brain tumors. But it must be remembered that the types of brain tumors that can arise in children, young adults and older people are definitely different, with certain types of brain tumors being more common in one group of people than the other.

Myth 8:

There is a standard treatment available for all brain tumors, which is brain surgery.

The fact regarding this:

The treatment plan for brain tumors is dependent of various factors, including the type of tumor you are having, the stage of the tumor, the grade of the tumor, the location of it, and other general factors of the patient including age and general health condition. Surgery may be performed on some, while radiotherapy and chemotherapy to kill the tumor cells, may be performed on others.

Myth 9:

If you sleep with your mobile phone next to your head, you will develop a brain tumor.

The fact regarding this:

Mobile phones have been associated with the emission of radio frequency energy, which can be absorbed by the tissues in our body. But they are known to only raise our body temperature slightly and are not known to cause a change in our DNA in order to risk the development of a cancer. There is currently no research evidence which proves an association between use of mobile phones and the development of brain tumors. Brain tumors have been linked with mutations, which can be present at birth or occur spontaneously.

Myth 10:

When you have been treated for a brain tumor, they do not recur.

The fact regarding this:

All types of cancers can recur, including brain tumors. And just because you have been treated for one and your doctor says you have been cured, you cannot take it lightly. It is important that you closely adhere to your follow-up plan, in order to identify this recurrence in its early stages. You have to be aware of risk factors and make sure you avoid them, as well as be on the watch out for the persistence or development of symptoms which may suggest a brain tumor.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
When it comes to all types of cancer, there is plenty of information regarding all the aspects of cancers available on the internet, meaning that people can gain all the information they need freely from the numerous websites that contain this information. Although having the appropriate knowledge is a great thing, you must also make sure that you have the correct knowledge. Because one of the biggest problems regarding the information available on the internet, is the accuracy of it. How reliable and how correct are the facts provided on these websites. When people read this, are they obtaining correct information with regard to these conditions?

This is one of the biggest problems faced in the medical field today because, when people read wrong facts about conditions such as cancer, they tend to develop ideas which are then propagated and become myths. These myths move from one person to another until it becomes the truth. When patients visit doctors regarding cancers and brain tumor treatment in Gurgaon, they open up about many such myths they may have come across regarding the risk factors, symptom and especially the treatment of cancers like brain tumors. Dr. Vikas Kathuria, a neurosurgeon doctor in Gurgaon, is here to explain to you some of the common myths that you may come across regarding brain tumors, and why they are nothing but that.

When a doctor says you may be having a brain tumor, it means that I have cancer of the brain.

The fact regarding this:

This is not so. Because not all brain tumors are cancerous. The word cancer usually refers to condition which are considered malignant, which means that they grow rapidly, are aggressive, can spread from one part of the body to another and are difficult to cure. You have another type of tumor known as a benign tumor, which means that they are not dangerous and complete cure is possible in the case of benign tumors, because all you have to do it remove the mass that has grown in one part of your body. Most brain tumors are benign, although you have malignant tumors as well. So when a doctor suspects you may be having a brain tumor, it is more likely that you have a benign condition and not a malignant one.

If you work in an environment with high exposure to radiation, you will eventually develop a brain tumor.

The fact regarding this:

Brain tumors are one of the rarest cancers diagnosed in India, with only 3 per 100,000 people being diagnosed with it each year. Although exposure to radiation can have adverse effects on the health of an individual, there is no proven evidence or research findings to prove that it is associated with an increased risk of developing brain tumors.

There is only type of brain tumor.

The fact regarding this:

There are over 120 different types of brain tumors which have been recorded. Therefore not all brain tumors are the same. Brain tumors differ from each other, depending on the tissue from which the tumor originates, the size of the tumor, the location of it as well as the grade of the tumor.

All brain tumors arise as a result of abnormality in the behavior of the brain cells.

The fact regarding this:

Brain tumors can be broadly classified into two types. Those which arise from the brain cells itself, which are called primary brain tumors, and those which arise elsewhere in the body and then spread to the brain through the bloodstream, which are called secondary deposits. Some of the most common secondary deposits arise from the lungs, bone, breast and kidney. Secondary deposits are more common than primary brain tumors, and even in the case of primary brain tumors, most of them develop form the cells that support the nerve tissue in the brain and not the nerve tissue directly.

The symptoms and signs of brain tumors are all the same.

The fact regarding this:

This is not true, because the symptoms and signs of brain tumors depend on a variety of factors, such as the location of the tumor. Because which part of your brain has been affected, plays an important role in determining how the area of the body that it supplies, functions. Some other factors which affect the signs and symptoms produced by a tumor include, the size of the tumor and the grade of the tumor.

If you are experiencing frequent headaches and blurring of vision it means you have developed brain tumor.

The fact regarding this:

Although headaches and blurring vision are two of the most common symptoms of brain tumors, it is not necessary that everyone who experiences them is having a brain tumor. You cannot come to a diagnosis simply based on their presence. The correct diagnosis requires investigations and imaging techniques such as CT or MRI scan of the brain.

Only elderly people can develop brain tumors.

The fact regarding this:

Age does not play a role in determining your risk of developing a brain tumor. Because even newborn babies have been recorded to have brain tumors. But it must be remembered that the types of brain tumors that can arise in children, young adults and older people are definitely different, with certain types of brain tumors being more common in one group of people than the other.

There is a standard treatment available for all brain tumors, which is brain surgery.

The fact regarding this:

The treatment plan for brain tumors is dependent of various factors, including the type of tumor you are having, the stage of the tumor, the grade of the tumor, the location of it, and other general factors of the patient including age and general health condition. Surgery may be performed on some, while radiotherapy and chemotherapy to kill the tumor cells, may be performed on others.

If you sleep with your mobile phone next to your head, you will develop a brain tumor.

The fact regarding this:

Mobile phones have been associated with the emission of radio frequency energy, which can be absorbed by the tissues in our body. But they are known to only raise our body temperature slightly and are not known to cause a change in our DNA in order to risk the development of a cancer. There is currently no research evidence which proves an association between use of mobile phones and the development of brain tumors. Brain tumors have been linked with mutations, which can be present at birth or occur spontaneously.

When you have been treated for a brain tumor, they do not recur.

The fact regarding this:

All types of cancers can recur, including brain tumors. And just because you have been treated for one and your doctor says you have been cured, you cannot take it lightly. It is important that you closely adhere to your follow-up plan, in order to identify this recurrence in its early stages. You have to be aware of risk factors and make sure you avoid them, as well as be on the watch out for the persistence or development of symptoms which may suggest a brain tumor.

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Myths and Facts that you need to know about Brain Tumors

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When it comes to all types of cancer, there is plenty of information regarding all the aspects of cancers available on the internet, meaning that people can gain all the information they need freely from the numerous websites that contain this information.

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Peripheral Nerve Surgery By Best Neurologist In Gurgaon

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Peripheral Nerve Surgery By Best Neurologist In Gurgaon

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What Is Peripheral Nerve Surgery?

Peripheral nerve surgery is a surgical process which is used for the treatment of chronic pain and peripheral nerve disorder such as nerve damage, nerve injury and nerve cancer. In this condition,the body continuously sends pain signals to the brain. Chronic pain also causesa burning and aching sensation in the affected area.

This process is performed under the general anesthesia but in some cases, local anesthesia and sedation are also used. Peripheral nerve surgery is done in two ways;

Nerve grafting: in this technique surgeon will take a part of the nerve from a donor and attach it form the injured nerve.

Nerve transfer: In this technique, a nearby working nerve is connected to the old and injured nerve.

Which Diseases Require Peripheral Nerve Surgery?

Brachial Plexus Injury: The brachial plexus is a network of a nerve which controls the movement and sensation of hand and arm through the spinal cord.  The brachial plexus injury is caused when the nerve is stretched and compressed and there is sudden damage in nerve. The patient may experience loss of sensations, weakness in arms, hand, and shoulder.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:  It is a common condition which causes pain, tingling, and numbness in hand and arm. This condition is caused when the compression increases within the wrist on the major nerve of hand known as the median nerve.

Cubital (Ulnar) Tunnel Syndrome:  Cubital tunnel syndrome is caused when the ulnar nerve of hand is stretched, and compressed. The patient may experience numbness and tingling sensation. This condition may also cause pain and soreness.

Schwannomas: It is a type of tissue cancer which develops on the nerve sheath. The schwannomas occur in a special type of cellsknown asSchwann cell.

Neurofibromas: Neurofibromas are a type of nerve tumor which causes a soft bump under the skin. Neurofibromas may develop inmajor and minor nerves of the body.

If you have any of the above diseases or symptoms, you should consult with the best neurologist in Gurgaon

How Peripheral Nerve Surgery Is Performed?

Various tests are conducted by the neurosurgeon before performing the peripheral nerve surgery. It involves a detailed evaluation of the sensory and motor nerve functions. Sensation such as thermal sensation, tactile sensation, and pain are evaluated. The motor function evaluation includes grip strength and analyzing muscle strength and contraction.

Anesthetic agents such as bupivacaine are used along with the infusion pump to control post-operative pain. Proper drainage apparatus such as Jackson-Pratt drain is used to manage drainage after the operation.

The procedure of surgery depends upon the type of surgery recommended. The surgery may either be for nerve repair, nerve grafting or nerve transfer.

Nerve repair surgery can be performed when the distal and proximal end of a damaged nerve are close to each other and joining them does not cause any tension. If nerve repair has the risk of developing tension, other types of nerve surgeries can be advised.

In nerve grafting, the nerve of a donor is used to fill the gap between the proximal and distal end of the damaged nerve.

Another method is the nerve transfer in which a nearby non-critical nerve is used to fill the gap. The method is successful when either there is a large nerve gap or a proximal nerve injury or both.

What Is The Recovery Time After Peripheral Nerve Surgery?

The recovery of the patient after peripheral nerve surgery depends upon the type of nerve injury as well as the type of surgery done. A plaster cast is fitted after surgery to provide optimum relaxation to the nerve. The plaster cast may be revised 4-6 weeks after surgery, however, processes such as massage therapy, splinting, occupational therapy and psychological counseling should be continued. As soon as the power in the nerve is seen in the muscles related to repaired nerve, gentle exercise can be started.

What Are The Complications Of Peripheral Nerve Surgery?

To minimize the complications during peripheral nerve surgery, the patient should get the surgery done with the best neurologist in Gurgaon. Following are some of the complications of peripheral nerve surgery:

Pulmonary complications: Pulmonary complications can be seen especially when the surgery is long and is under general anesthesia. The patient may experience pulmonary embolism, respiratory distress syndrome, and atelectasis.

Post-operative hematoma: Excessive and releasable muscular dissection may lead to hematoma as this may create fistulae and bleeding points.

New neurological defects: In some cases, New neurological effects may occur. This is most common in nerve surgeries involving removal of tumors.

Risk of infection: As with other surgeries, peripheral nerve surgery also has the risk of infection especially when a larger area of tissues gets exposed.

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Peripheral nerve surgery is a surgical process which is used for the treatment of chronic pain and peripheral nerve disorder such as nerve damage, nerve injury and nerve cancer. In this condition,the body continuously sends pain signals to the brain. Chronic pain also causesa burning and aching sensation in the affected area.

This process is performed under the general anesthesia but in some cases, local anesthesia and sedation are also used. Peripheral nerve surgery is done in two ways;

Nerve grafting: in this technique surgeon will take a part of the nerve from a donor and attach it form the injured nerve.

Nerve transfer: In this technique, a nearby working nerve is connected to the old and injured nerve.

Brachial Plexus Injury: The brachial plexus is a network of a nerve which controls the movement and sensation of hand and arm through the spinal cord. The brachial plexus injury is caused when the nerve is stretched and compressed and there is sudden damage in nerve. The patient may experience loss of sensations, weakness in arms, hand, and shoulder.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: It is a common condition which causes pain, tingling, and numbness in hand and arm. This condition is caused when the compression increases within the wrist on the major nerve of hand known as the median nerve.

Cubital (Ulnar) Tunnel Syndrome: Cubital tunnel syndrome is caused when the ulnar nerve of hand is stretched, and compressed. The patient may experience numbness and tingling sensation. This condition may also cause pain and soreness.

Schwannomas: It is a type of tissue cancer which develops on the nerve sheath. The schwannomas occur in a special type of cellsknown asSchwann cell.

Neurofibromas: Neurofibromas are a type of nerve tumor which causes a soft bump under the skin. Neurofibromas may develop inmajor and minor nerves of the body.

If you have any of the above diseases or symptoms, you should consult with the neurologist in Gurgaon

Various tests are conducted by the neurosurgeon before performing the peripheral nerve surgery. It involves a detailed evaluation of the sensory and motor nerve functions. Sensation such as thermal sensation, tactile sensation, and pain are evaluated. The motor function evaluation includes grip strength and analyzing muscle strength and contraction.

Anesthetic agents such as bupivacaine are used along with the infusion pump to control post-operative pain. Proper drainage apparatus such as Jackson-Pratt drain is used to manage drainage after the operation.

The procedure of surgery depends upon the type of surgery recommended. The surgery may either be for nerve repair, nerve grafting or nerve transfer.

Nerve repair surgery can be performed when the distal and proximal end of a damaged nerve are close to each other and joining them does not cause any tension. If nerve repair has the risk of developing tension, other types of nerve surgeries can be advised.

In nerve grafting, the nerve of a donor is used to fill the gap between the proximal and distal end of the damaged nerve.

Another method is the nerve transfer in which a nearby non-critical nerve is used to fill the gap. The method is successful when either there is a large nerve gap or a proximal nerve injury or both.

The recovery of the patient after peripheral nerve surgery depends upon the type of nerve injury as well as the type of surgery done. A plaster cast is fitted after surgery to provide optimum relaxation to the nerve. The plaster cast may be revised 4-6 weeks after surgery, however, processes such as massage therapy, splinting, occupational therapy and psychological counseling should be continued. As soon as the power in the nerve is seen in the muscles related to repaired nerve, gentle exercise can be started.

To minimize the complications during peripheral nerve surgery, the patient should get the surgery done with the best neurologist in Gurgaon. Following are some of the complications of peripheral nerve surgery:

Pulmonary complications: Pulmonary complications can be seen especially when the surgery is long and is under general anesthesia. The patient may experience pulmonary embolism, respiratory distress syndrome, and atelectasis.

Post-operative hematoma: Excessive and releasable muscular dissection may lead to hematoma as this may create fistulae and bleeding points.

New neurological defects: In some cases, New neurological effects may occur. This is most common in nerve surgeries involving removal of tumors.

Risk of infection: As with other surgeries, peripheral nerve surgery also has the risk of infection especially when a larger area of tissues gets exposed.

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Peripheral nerve surgery is a surgical process which is used for the treatment of chronic pain and peripheral nerve disorder such as nerve damage, nerve injury and nerve cancer. In this condition,the body continuously sends pain signals to the brain. Chronic pain also causesa burning and aching sensation in the affected area.

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The Best Treatment For Parkinson’s Disease By Best Neurologist In Gurgaon

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The Best Treatment For Parkinson’s Disease By Best Neurologist In Gurgaon

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According to the best neurosurgeon in Gurgaon Dr. Vikas Kathuria, it is a progressive disorder of the nervous system, where there is gradual degeneration of a particular part of the brain, called the substantia nigra, which contains dopaminergic cells, which are a type of neurons that release the neurotransmitter called dopamine, which helps to control movement sin your body. Therefore in Parkinson’s disease, when these dopaminergic neurons are gradually destroyed, the dopamine levels in the body reduce and you begin to have difficulty with movements. And these symptoms gradually worsen with time.

What causes Parkinson’s disease?

Since Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder, there is no exact cause which has been identified, which leads to this degeneration of neurons. Factors which have been linked with increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease are:

Increased and prolonged exposure to insecticides, herbicides and fungicides

The use of a synthetic neurotoxin called MPTP, which can lead to the development of symptoms such as in Parkinson’s disease

Genetic predisposition where Parkinson’s disease has been passed onto family members

The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease:

Most of the symptoms in Parkinson’s disease is related to abnormality of movements, and they include:

Stiffness and rigidity of the muscles

Slowing down of movements

Tremors, which appear mainly at rest or intention tremors

Abnormal gait and unsteadiness

Insomnia

Depression and anxiety

How is Parkinson’s disease treated?

Once this degenerative disorder has started, unfortunately there is no reversing the damage that has occurred, therefore there is no cure to the disease. The aims of treatment in Parkinson’s disease is to improve overall health and quality of life by helping to relieve symptoms and to increase the dopamine levels in the body using exogenous dopamine or stimulating the undamaged dopamine producing neurons in the body to produce more dopamine. Various treatment forms are available to achieve these goals, and they include:

Pharmacological methods:

The most widely used and most effective treatment for Parkinson’s disease has been the use of a combination of two drugs known as Levodopa and Carbidopa. These drugs help to increase the level of dopamine in the body. The abnormal movements and difficulty with movements are reduced with the use of Levodpa, but this drug has only a very short half-life, therefore the symptoms may recur. The adverse effects of levodopa include nausea and vomiting, restlessness, involuntary movements, dyspnea, dyspepsia, confusion and low blood pressure.

Anticholinergic drugs are used to correct the imbalance of neurotransmitters that occurs in a Parkinson’s disease, because there is more acetyl choline than dopamine. This imbalance also gives rise to certain symptoms, therefore by preventing of acetylcholine using inhibitors we will be able to relieve these symptoms.

Dopamine agonists are drugs which mimic the action of dopamine in the body. They go and stimulate dopamine receptors in the body bringing about the same action. But these medications tend to have side effects such as insomnia and hallucinations, which can be disturbing for the patient.

Surgical methods:

Surgical methods are employed when medication has failed to show improvement of symptoms. The surgical methods used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is known as Deep Brain Stimulation. Where the best neurosurgeon in Gurgaon, Dr. Vikas Kathuria, will have to open a part of your brain in order to place tiny electrodes at specific locations within the brain. These electrodes are in turn connected to a pulse generator, which is implanted in the chest region. There are impulses generated in this generator and transmitted to the electrodes within your brain, which then stimulate the neurons in those areas of the brain, in order to perform their function. Deep Brain Stimulation in Gurgaon has proven to have a success rate of over 70%, with a majority of the patients gaining control of movements and experiencing symptomatic relief. You can have rare side effects of Deep Brain Stimulation such as occurrence of seizures, bleeding during surgery or infections following the surgery.

Another mode of surgical treatment for Parkinson’s disease is the surgical destruction of the entire substantia nigra, after which the entire dopamine needs of the body is provided medications. But this method is rarely carried out.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
According to the best neurosurgeon in Gurgaon Dr. Vikas Kathuria, it is a progressive disorder of the nervous system, where there is gradual degeneration of a particular part of the brain, called the substantia nigra, which contains dopaminergic cells, which are a type of neurons that release the neurotransmitter called dopamine, which helps to control movement sin your body. Therefore in Parkinson's disease, when these dopaminergic neurons are gradually destroyed, the dopamine levels in the body reduce and you begin to have difficulty with movements. And these symptoms gradually worsen with time.

Since Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder, there is no exact cause which has been identified, which leads to this degeneration of neurons. Factors which have been linked with increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease are:

Increased and prolonged exposure to insecticides, herbicides and fungicides

The use of a synthetic neurotoxin called MPTP, which can lead to the development of symptoms such as in Parkinson's disease

Genetic predisposition where Parkinson's disease has been passed onto family members

Most of the symptoms in Parkinson's disease is related to abnormality of movements, and they include:

Stiffness and rigidity of the muscles

Slowing down of movements

Tremors, which appear mainly at rest or intention tremors

Abnormal gait and unsteadiness

Insomnia

Depression and anxiety

Once this degenerative disorder has started, unfortunately there is no reversing the damage that has occurred, therefore there is no cure to the disease. The aims of treatment in Parkinson's disease is to improve overall health and quality of life by helping to relieve symptoms and to increase the dopamine levels in the body using exogenous dopamine or stimulating the undamaged dopamine producing neurons in the body to produce more dopamine. Various treatment forms are available to achieve these goals, and they include:

Pharmacological methods:

The most widely used and most effective treatment for Parkinson's disease has been the use of a combination of two drugs known as Levodopa and Carbidopa. These drugs help to increase the level of dopamine in the body. The abnormal movements and difficulty with movements are reduced with the use of Levodpa, but this drug has only a very short half-life, therefore the symptoms may recur. The adverse effects of levodopa include nausea and vomiting, restlessness, involuntary movements, dyspnea, dyspepsia, confusion and low blood pressure.

Anticholinergic drugs are used to correct the imbalance of neurotransmitters that occurs in a Parkinson's disease, because there is more acetyl choline than dopamine. This imbalance also gives rise to certain symptoms, therefore by preventing of acetylcholine using inhibitors we will be able to relieve these symptoms.

Dopamine agonists are drugs which mimic the action of dopamine in the body. They go and stimulate dopamine receptors in the body bringing about the same action. But these medications tend to have side effects such as insomnia and hallucinations, which can be disturbing for the patient.

Surgical methods:

Surgical methods are employed when medication has failed to show improvement of symptoms. The surgical methods used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease is known as Deep Brain Stimulation. Where the best neurosurgeon in Gurgaon, Dr. Vikas Kathuria, will have to open a part of your brain in order to place tiny electrodes at specific locations within the brain. These electrodes are in turn connected to a pulse generator, which is implanted in the chest region. There are impulses generated in this generator and transmitted to the electrodes within your brain, which then stimulate the neurons in those areas of the brain, in order to perform their function. Deep Brain Stimulation in Gurgaon has proven to have a success rate of over 70%, with a majority of the patients gaining control of movements and experiencing symptomatic relief. You can have rare side effects of Deep Brain Stimulation such as occurrence of seizures, bleeding during surgery or infections following the surgery.

Another mode of surgical treatment for Parkinson's disease is the surgical destruction of the entire substantia nigra, after which the entire dopamine needs of the body is provided medications. But this method is rarely carried out.

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Treatment for Parkinson's disease In India

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According to the best neurosurgeon in Gurgaon Dr. Vikas Kathuria, it is a progressive disorder of the nervous system, where there is gradual degeneration of a particular part of the brain, called the substantia nigra, which contains dopaminergic cells, which are a type of neurons that release the neurotransmitter called dopamine, which helps to control movement sin your body.

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Understanding Spine Surgery From Spine Surgeon In Gurgaon

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Understanding Spine Surgery From Spine Surgeon In Gurgaon

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What is the spine?

The spine or vertebral column in the human body comprises of two components. The bony vertebrae, which forms almost a tunnel like structure, and the spinal cord that runs through it. Therefore it is this bony structure or vertebral column that surrounds the spinal cord, which almost like a protective cover, helping to prevent the spinal cord from getting damaged during trauma which does not cause breaking of this cover. There are 33 vertebrae in total, divided into segments known as the cervical spine, thoracic spine, lumbar spine, sacral spine and coccyx. Within the vertebral column, in-between these vertebrae, there is an intervertebral disc, which is a gel like substance that helps to act as a shock absorber and prevents the bodies of the vertebrae from rubbing against each other and causing pain.

The vertebral column in the human body therefore functions for three purposes, protection of the spinal cord, weight bearing and flexibility. And any damage to the bones of the spine or shifting of the intervertebral disc to either side within this column, will lead to an abnormality of the structure of the vertebral column, resulting most often in pain, because this abnormality is either compressing the nerves which are exiting the spine or compressing the spinal cord itself.

What problems can arise in the spine?

There a variety of problems which can arise in the spine, which may require you to see a specialist doctor, who only works with problems regarding the vertebral column and the spinal cord. This type of doctor is called a spine surgeon. Since the vertebral column, the spinal cord and the nerves that arise from the spinal cord, play a major role in determining how our body functions, it is important that you visit the best spine surgeon in Gurgaon, for medical advice, if you fear or suspect that you may be suffering from a problem which affects your spine.

Problems which arise in the spinal cord and vertebral column include:

Infections of the bones of the vertebral column, or the layers which cover the spinal cord called the meninges.

Fracture of the vertebrae which make up the vertebral column, either as a result of trauma or because of infections in the bone or bone tumors causing the bone to become weak and break off spontaneously.

A slipped disc, which means that the gel like substance in between each vertebra has moved from its position right in the center to either side and is causing a narrowing within the vertebral canal which can lead to compression of the spinal cord and the nerves which are exiting the vertebral column at this point.

Tumors of the spinal cord, although very rare can also be a problem for which you may require spine surgery.

Those individuals who are suffering from spine deformities such as kyphosis and scoliosis, which are abnormalities regarding the curvature of the vertebral column, where there is increased curvature of the spine or an ‘S’ shaped curvature of the spine.

If you are suffering from any of the above mentioned problems, then it may mean that you need to get in touch with a spine surgeon in Gurgaon so that you can have it looked into in detail.

Symptoms of spinal cord problems:

People who are suffering problems in their spine can complain of a variety of symptoms. These include:

Back pain, which can arise as a result of infections in the vertebrae, or compression of the spinal cord and the spinal nerves.

They can experience sharp, radiating pain which travels along the back of the leg, a condition which is known as sciatica, and is a common problem which is diagnosed.

Patients complain of numbness or tingling sensation which are present in their upper limbs as well as in the lower limbs which again can be the result of spinal cord or spinal nerve compression.

Some people can even develop sudden onset paralysis in certain parts of their body, especially the upper and lower limbs which are more susceptible.

It is also important to understand that the spinal nerves also play a role in innervating some of our internal organs such as our bowels and bladder. Therefore if there is any damage to these nerves people may experience loss of bowel and bladder control.

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, it should prompt you to seek medical advice immediately, so that the correct management plan can be put in place and prevent the condition from progressing any further.

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What is the spine?

The spine or vertebral column in the human body comprises of two components. The bony vertebrae, which forms almost a tunnel like structure, and the spinal cord that runs through it. Therefore it is this bony structure or vertebral column that surrounds the spinal cord, which almost like a protective cover, helping to prevent the spinal cord from getting damaged during trauma which does not cause breaking of this cover. There are 33 vertebrae in total, divided into segments known as the cervical spine, thoracic spine, lumbar spine, sacral spine and coccyx. Within the vertebral column, in-between these vertebrae, there is an intervertebral disc, which is a gel like substance that helps to act as a shock absorber and prevents the bodies of the vertebrae from rubbing against each other and causing pain.

The vertebral column in the human body therefore functions for three purposes, protection of the spinal cord, weight bearing and flexibility. And any damage to the bones of the spine or shifting of the intervertebral disc to either side within this column, will lead to an abnormality of the structure of the vertebral column, resulting most often in pain, because this abnormality is either compressing the nerves which are exiting the spine or compressing the spinal cord itself.

What problems can arise in the spine?

There a variety of problems which can arise in the spine, which may require you to see a specialist doctor, who only works with problems regarding the vertebral column and the spinal cord. This type of doctor is called a spine surgeon. Since the vertebral column, the spinal cord and the nerves that arise from the spinal cord, play a major role in determining how our body functions, it is important that you visit the best spine surgeon in Gurgaon, for medical advice, if you fear or suspect that you may be suffering from a problem which affects your spine.

Problems which arise in the spinal cord and vertebral column include:

Infections of the bones of the vertebral column, or the layers which cover the spinal cord called the meninges.

Fracture of the vertebrae which make up the vertebral column, either as a result of trauma or because of infections in the bone or bone tumors causing the bone to become weak and break off spontaneously.

A slipped disc, which means that the gel like substance in between each vertebra has moved from its position right in the center to either side and is causing a narrowing within the vertebral canal which can lead to compression of the spinal cord and the nerves which are exiting the vertebral column at this point.

Tumors of the spinal cord, although very rare can also be a problem for which you may require spine surgery.

Those individuals who are suffering from spine deformities such as kyphosis and scoliosis, which are abnormalities regarding the curvature of the vertebral column, where there is increased curvature of the spine or an 'S' shaped curvature of the spine.

If you are suffering from any of the above mentioned problems, then it may mean that you need to get in touch with a spine surgeon in Gurgaon so that you can have it looked into in detail.

Symptoms of spinal cord problems:
People who are suffering problems in their spine can complain of a variety of symptoms. These include:

Back pain, which can arise as a result of infections in the vertebrae, or compression of the spinal cord and the spinal nerves.

They can experience sharp, radiating pain which travels along the back of the leg, a condition which is known as sciatica, and is a common problem which is diagnosed.

Patients complain of numbness or tingling sensation which are present in their upper limbs as well as in the lower limbs which again can be the result of spinal cord or spinal nerve compression.

Some people can even develop sudden onset paralysis in certain parts of their body, especially the upper and lower limbs which are more susceptible.

It is also important to understand that the spinal nerves also play a role in innervating some of our internal organs such as our bowels and bladder. Therefore if there is any damage to these nerves people may experience loss of bowel and bladder control.

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, it should prompt you to seek medical advice immediately, so that the correct management plan can be put in place and prevent the condition from progressing any further.

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Understanding spine surgery from Spine surgeon in Gurgaon

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The spine or vertebral column in the human body comprises of two components. The bony vertebrae, which forms almost a tunnel like structure, and the spinal cord that runs through it.

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Spine Surgeon In Gurgaon - Dealing With Problems Of The Spine

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Spine Surgeon In Gurgaon - Dealing With Problems Of The Spine

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Understanding the anatomy:

The human body is structures in such a way that our back bone or vertebral column has a significant role to play in the determining how our body functions. This is because it is our vertebral column which helps us stand up straight while walking, helps us carry the weight of our head and shoulders, and helps us bend forward and so on. Therefore it plays a role in a number of functions without which we would find it almost close to impossible to function normally in our day to day lives. This is because the vertebral column helps our body with three main functions which include weight bearing, flexibility and last but not least protection of the spinal which runs through it.

The vertebral column can be thought of a bony canal, the center of which is hollow and houses the spinal cord, which a continuation of the human brain. We have in total 33 different vertebrae which come together in order to make this single column, which in turn protects the spinal cord. Depending on the region in which these vertebrae are found, they are named as cervical vertebrae, thoracic vertebrae, lumbar vertebrae and sacral vertebrae.

If we are to understand how the spine functions and what kind of problems arise from it, it is important for us to have a slight idea about its structure, so that any symptoms which indicates you are suffering from a problem in your spine will prompt you to seek help from a spine surgeon in Gurgaon immediately.

The symptoms of spinal conditions:

People who are suffering problems in their spine can complain of a variety of symptoms. These include:

Back pain, which can arise as a result of infections in the vertebrae, or compression of the spinal cord and the spinal nerves.

They can experience sharp, radiating pain which travels along the back of the leg, a condition which is known as sciatica, and is a common problem which is diagnosed.

Patients complain of numbness or tingling sensation which are present in their upper limbs as well as in the lower limbs which again can be the result of spinal cord or spinal nerve compression.

Some people can even develop sudden onset paralysis in certain parts of their body, especially the upper and lower limbs which are more susceptible.

It is also important to understand that the spinal nerves also play a role in innervating some of our internal organs such as our bowels and bladder. Therefore if there is any damage to these nerves people may experience loss of bowel and bladder control.

The spinal consultation:

Just like a consultation for any other ailment, even your consultation with a spine surgeon in Gurgaon will start off with the doctor obtaining a detailed history of the problem you are suffering from. In this case it is very important that you are precise about your symptoms, its duration and how it has progressed with time. Because all of these play a role in determining how severe your problem might be. Once your doctor has obtained the detailed history he/she will move onto a thorough examination, which includes checking the movement and sensation in your all your limbs. After the examination is done, even though your doctor will have a fairly good idea about the condition you have, he/she will ask you to undergo some investigations such as imaging of the spine, including X-ray of the spine or CT/MRI scan of the spine, which will help them have a clear picture of what is happening.

These investigations will help them determine the severity of the problem and also help them plan the way forward, with regards to the management plan they will want to put you in.

Is spine surgery dangerous?

Although it is very rare that doctors suggest for a patient to undergo spine surgery, it may be that the severity of your condition is such that it requires a drastic measure like spine surgery. Because in most cases of spine problems, including mild fractures of the vertebrae, bed rest and limitation of movements help to overcome the problem. In some cases you may have to have strict bed rest for as long as a couple of months.

Just like any other surgery, elsewhere in the body, spine surgery also carries with it its share of risks, but in the hands of a good spine surgeon in Gurgaon, you will be able to minimize them.

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Understanding the anatomy:

The human body is structures in such a way that our back bone or vertebral column has a significant role to play in the determining how our body functions. This is because it is our vertebral column which helps us stand up straight while walking, helps us carry the weight of our head and shoulders, and helps us bend forward and so on. Therefore it plays a role in a number of functions without which we would find it almost close to impossible to function normally in our day to day lives. This is because the vertebral column helps our body with three main functions which include weight bearing, flexibility and last but not least protection of the spinal which runs through it.

The vertebral column can be thought of a bony canal, the center of which is hollow and houses the spinal cord, which a continuation of the human brain. We have in total 33 different vertebrae which come together in order to make this single column, which in turn protects the spinal cord. Depending on the region in which these vertebrae are found, they are named as cervical vertebrae, thoracic vertebrae, lumbar vertebrae and sacral vertebrae.

If we are to understand how the spine functions and what kind of problems arise from it, it is important for us to have a slight idea about its structure, so that any symptoms which indicates you are suffering from a problem in your spine will prompt you to seek help from a spine surgeon in Gurgaon immediately.

The symptoms of spinal conditions:
People who are suffering problems in their spine can complain of a variety of symptoms. These include:

Back pain, which can arise as a result of infections in the vertebrae, or compression of the spinal cord and the spinal nerves.

They can experience sharp, radiating pain which travels along the back of the leg, a condition which is known as sciatica, and is a common problem which is diagnosed.

Patients complain of numbness or tingling sensation which are present in their upper limbs as well as in the lower limbs which again can be the result of spinal cord or spinal nerve compression.

Some people can even develop sudden onset paralysis in certain parts of their body, especially the upper and lower limbs which are more susceptible.

It is also important to understand that the spinal nerves also play a role in innervating some of our internal organs such as our bowels and bladder. Therefore if there is any damage to these nerves people may experience loss of bowel and bladder control.

The spinal consultation:

Just like a consultation for any other ailment, even your consultation with a spine surgeon in Gurgaon will start off with the doctor obtaining a detailed history of the problem you are suffering from. In this case it is very important that you are precise about your symptoms, its duration and how it has progressed with time. Because all of these play a role in determining how severe your problem might be. Once your doctor has obtained the detailed history he/she will move onto a thorough examination, which includes checking the movement and sensation in your all your limbs. After the examination is done, even though your doctor will have a fairly good idea about the condition you have, he/she will ask you to undergo some investigations such as imaging of the spine, including X-ray of the spine or CT/MRI scan of the spine, which will help them have a clear picture of what is happening.

These investigations will help them determine the severity of the problem and also help them plan the way forward, with regards to the management plan they will want to put you in.

Is spine surgery dangerous?

Although it is very rare that doctors suggest for a patient to undergo spine surgery, it may be that the severity of your condition is such that it requires a drastic measure like spine surgery. Because in most cases of spine problems, including mild fractures of the vertebrae, bed rest and limitation of movements help to overcome the problem. In some cases you may have to have strict bed rest for as long as a couple of months.

Just like any other surgery, elsewhere in the body, spine surgery also carries with it its share of risks, but in the hands of a good spine surgeon in Gurgaon, you will be able to minimize them.

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Spine surgeon in Gurgaon - Dealing with problems of the spine

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The human body is structures in such a way that our back bone or vertebral column has a significant role to play in the determining how our body functions. This is because it is our vertebral column which helps us stand up straight while walking, helps us carry the weight of our head and shoulders, and helps us bend forward and so on.

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Spine Tumor Surgery/ Treatment In Gurgaon

The fundamentals of spinal tumors:

Spinal tumors are abnormal growth of cells in and around the spinal cord. Spinal tumors are commonly due to deposits of cancer cells from elsewhere in the body, secondary/metastatic tumors, rather than primary tumors which arise from the spinal tissue itself. These tumors can be of two types, benign or malignant.

Spinal tumors are classified according to the region where they are found such as cervical, thoracic, lumbar or sacral tumors as well as their location within the spine such as intradural-extra-medullary, intramedullary and extradural.

The most common types of intradural-extramedullary tumor to affect the adult population are meningiomas, neurofibromas and ependymomas. Of the intramedullary type, the most common tumors are gliomas, ependymomas and lipomas. The most common extradural tumors are usually secondary deposits from elsewhere in the body or they can be schwannomas.

Primary spinal tumors are very rare, and the incidence is only around one spinal tumor for every intracranial tumor which occurs.

The causes: Although the cause for many of the primary spinal tumors remain unknown, some tumors such as spinal cord lymphomas are thought to arise as a result of a compromised immune system. The presence of genetic conditions such as Neurofibromatosis 2 and Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome has been associated with the development of spinal tumors.

When should I suspect that I have spinal cord tumor?

There a set of common symptoms, which patients who have been plagued by spinal tumors commonly complaint of. These include:

Backache – which is by far the commonest symptom. Pain which is gradually increasing, worse at night and worsens with activity. If the tumor is compressing nerve roots, you may experience radiating pain shooting down your arms or legs, depending on the location.

Tingling sensation or loss of sensation in your arms and legs

Muscle weakness in the extremities

Loss of bladder and bowel function

Paralysis in certain areas of the body depending on the location of the tumor

Deformities of the spine such as scoliosis

What are the treatment options available for spinal tumors?

Your treatment options for spine tumors include non-surgical methods and surgical methods. Non-surgical methods include radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Sometimes if the tumor has been found accidentally while investigating for other conditions, is still in its early stages and is not causing symptoms or disability, then watchful waiting, to see if it is growing bigger is also a form of treatment that some doctors may suggest. Because the risks of living with a tumor which is not growing outweighs the risks of undergoing surgery.

Radiation therapy is often used to treat metastatic spinal tumors or secondary deposits. It involves delivering doses of high energy radiation to those areas of the body affected by the tumor cells, in order to destroy the cells. The latest method of delivering radiation therapy uses an instrument called the cyber knife which uses a robotic arm in order to deliver focused high dose radiation to the spinal cord, and is thought to be extremely useful because of the flexibility of the arm, which makes it all the more precise.

Chemotherapy makes use of chemicals which are either taken orally or injected into a vein, which are then taken up by the tumor cells and causes slow destruction of these cells.

A variety of surgical methods are available for the treatment of spinal tumors. Which of these procedures a patient undergoes, will be decided by the doctor, depending on factors such as the type of spinal tumor the patient has, the exact location and size of it as well as patient factors such as the age and general health status of the patient. The different types of surgical procedures include:

Laminectomy and Excision of Tumour – where the entire tumor or part of it is excised/removed along with part of the vertebral column in order to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord, because of which the spinal cord is being compressed and causing symptoms.

Embolization – is a procedure which is most often used along with other techniques because it helps to shrink the tumor. It involves passing a catheter from the groin region to the blood vessels which supply the tumor and blocking these vessels using an embolic agent. This will cut off the blood supply to the tumor, prevent its growth, leading to a reduction in the size of the tumor.

Spine stabilization surgery – which is used when your spine has become unstable because of the weakening of the vertebrae which make up the vertebral column, which houses the spinal cord. When the tumor has invaded the bone, the vertebrae can fracture and this requires stabilization using procedures such as kyphoplasty, vertebroplasty or the use of bone graft.

Kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty – is the injection of bone cement into a fractured vertebra in order to make it stable. Spinal tumors which invade the bone make cause it weaken and break, and these bones then need to be stabilized using a bone like substitute.

How safe is surgery for spinal tumors?

Spinal surgery has evolved in more ways than one over the years. The advancement of technology and the availability of precision tools as well accurate imaging techniques, has led to development of unique surgical procedures which allow surgeons to access the spinal cord in less invasive ways than before. And even though there still is some risk involved with it, surgeons are able to keep it down to a minimum

As a result of which surgeons are able to perform more and more successful surgeries, which help the patients get back their quality of life. Because more than the risks involved with spinal surgery, the risks of opting out of surgery can be catastrophic to the patient, as it can end up with vertebral fractures and collapse, leading to spinal cord compression and even partial paralysis. So excision of the tumor at the right time is of utmost importance, and if you have the chance of getting rid of it once and for all, as is the case with benign tumors, then you couldn’t ask for more !

How different is spinal surgery from other surgeries performed?

All major surgeries will carry with them a certain amount of risk, because it involves general anesthesia, being unconscious for the duration of the surgery, an incision being made in your body and the insertion of instruments into your body. So any major surgery performed in any part of your body, will be a tough decision to make.

Spinal surgeries are different because they don’t involve a very large incision, and surgeons are always trying to make it as minimally invasive as possible, with the use of the most accurate tools making spinal surgeries much safer than they were in the days gone by. The risk of extensive bleeding which is present with other surgeries is minimal when compared to spinal surgeries because there are no major blood vessels which can easily be punctured during the surgery.

Since the symptoms of a spinal tumor can be very debilitating and distressing for the patient, more and more people are currently opting to undergo spinal tumour excision surgery, because they want to have a good quality of life.

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Spine Tumor Surgery in Gurgaon by Best Spine Surgeon In gurgaon and rohtak

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Looking for spine tumor surgery in Gurgaon and Rohtak to remove the tumor? Consult one of the best Brain and Spine Neurosurgeon for doing all kinds of spinal tumor surgeries.

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Best neurosurgeon doctor in gurgaon, India

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Best neurosurgeon doctor in gurgaon, India

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When it comes to problems related to the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord and the nerves which carry impulses all throughout our body, you want nothing but the best treatment from one of the best doctors. Because the nervous system is basically like the electrical network that controls your entire body and how it functions, and when a problem arises in this system, you want to make sure that the correct treatment is given at the appropriate time, so that adverse consequences can be avoided. And for this you need a skilled and experienced doctor who can make the right diagnosis and initiate the correct treatment. Dr. Vikas Kathuria is the best neurologist in Gurgaon, a doctor who has vast experience in matters dealing with the nervous system, and his experience is exactly what you need.

Specializing in neurosurgery, Dr. Vikas Kathuria is the best neurosurgeon doctor in Gurgaon and is well known to treat many conditions of the nervous system such as tumors of the brain and spine, infections of the brain and spine, vascular surgery, stroke as well problems related to trauma of the brain and spine. Some of these conditions require you to undergo complex procedures related to the brain and spine, and this means that you run the risk of permanent damage to a part of your nervous system if the surgery is not carried out with extreme care and skill. Dr. Vikas Kathuria specializes in surgical procedures such as:

Spinal Surgery

Disc Arthroplasty

Those related to head injury

Carpal tunnel

Those related to a Stroke

Brain Attack

Dementia

Awake Craniotomy

Pinhole surgery

Carotid Endarterectomy

Onyx Radio Surgery

Open surgery

With the use of innovative treatment techniques and a team of highly skilled medical personnel Dr. Vikas Kathuria offers you the possibility of complete cure from whatever condition you may be suffering. Whether it be spinal surgery such as Minimally Invasive Lumbar Disecotmy, to correct problems related to back pain, or whether it be surgery done to relieve pressure from the region of the neck, when it comes to neck pain, or even non-surgical methods to help relieve the symptoms of the condition you may be suffering from.

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What are tumors of the skull base?

The base of the skull is that part of your head on which your brain lies. It is made of multiple bones which are fused together with sutures. It is a complex region of the brain, because all the blood vessels supplying the brain traverse through the base of the skull in order to reach the other parts of the brain. Even most of the critical nerves supplying the rest of the body pass through the base of the skull. From the outside, the base of the skull is somewhere in the region behind your eyes and nose. Therefore tumors which arise in this part of the head, require complex procedures which have to be done with extreme precision in order to obtain the desired results and prevent adverse consequences of surgery. Therefore you want someone with experience and adequate knowledge to handle the surgery for you, and Dr. Vikas Kathuria, the best neurosurgeon in Rohtak, is the person you want to go to. With vast experience and the skill of performing these complex procedures, he is well known as an expert in brain tumor surgery in Rohtak.

Are there different types of skull base tumors?

Yes, not all skull base tumors are the same, and they differ from one another in the basic way, which is whether it is a primary brain tumor, arising from the brain tissue itself, or if it is a secondary deposit from a tumor which has spread from elsewhere in the body. Furthermore, primary skull based tumors are also differentiated according to the type of brain tissue they arise from. For example the different types of brain tumors include, Chondrosarcoma, Chordoma, Schwannoma, Meningioma, Pituitary tumor, Glomus jugulare and Craniopharyngioma. Depending on the type of tumor, the size of the tumor and its precise location, the type of procedure done to remove it will vary.

How would I know that I have a skull base tumor?

There are certain symptoms which are common to all skull base tumors, they include:

Nausea and vomiting

Severe headache, which are frequent

First-time seizures

Drowsiness and altered levels of consciousness

Dizziness

Changes of voice and hoarseness and voice

Hearing disturbances and even loss of hearing

Tinnitus/ringing in the ears

Difficulty with balance and coordination

Speech difficulties

Difficulty swallowing

Facial pain

Twitching, or paralysis of the facial muscles

It is not necessary that everyone who develops a skull base tumor, presents with the above mentioned symptoms. Most people will have only some of them. But if you have developed any of the above, mentioned symptoms, it should raise concern, and you should discuss this with your doctor.

There are also other symptoms which are specific and characteristic of certain types of skull base tumors. For example, a pituitary tumor has characteristic features which are not seen in any other type of skull base tumor, and they include:

Rounding of the face

Very tall stature

Disproportionate face, hands and feet

Joint pains

Increased blood pleasure

Easy bruising

Presence of stretch marks

Excessive sweating

What causes tumors of the skull base?

No specific cause has yet been identified for the development of these tumors. And they are thought to be multifactorial in origin. Certain factors such as exposure to particular types of chemicals, exposure to radiation and a strong family history of similar brain tumors have been associated with an increased risk of developing skull base tumors.

How is a skull base tumor diagnosed?

Diagnosis of this condition is made using a complete history and physical examination, which give your doctor clues regarding the condition you may be suffering from. But investigation such as imaging techniques remain the mainstay of diagnosing a skull base tumor. These investigations include:

CT Scan

MRI

Dynamic MRI

Functional MRI

Dynamic CT Scan

MRA

MRS

PET

FS MRI

Cerebrospinal fluid examination

Endocrine evaluation

Perimetry

Stereotactic biopsy

How is a skull base tumor treated?

There a number of treatment options when it comes to the management of skull base tumors, such as:

Observation

Pharmacological therapy/medication

Placement of a shunt

Surgery

Embolization

Other therapies, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy

Which form of treatment a patient undergoes depends on the exact tumor they have, the precise location and other factors such as the general health condition of the patient. Sometimes your doctor may suggest that you undergo a combination of treatments, in order to achieve better outcomes.

Brain tumor surgery has long been the treatment of choice when it comes to skull base tumors, with craniotomy, where the surgeon makes a small incision on the skull and tumor is removed through this, being the most common. But with the development of innovative techniques such as minimally invasive microsurgery, surgeons prefer to avoid surgery as much as possible, considering the risks involved. A shunt is long, thin tube which is placed inside you skull in order to remove excessive cerebrospinal fluid, which is collecting within the cranial cavity. This tube is connected from the brain to the abdomen, allowing the fluid to drain into the abdomen, to relieve the pressure build up within the skull.