Brain Tumor
Brain Tumor
A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue in the brain which can arise from any of the structures inside the skull like brain tissue itself or the meninges, the coverings of the brain. Brain tumors can disrupt proper brain function by invading into the normal brain or, when they grow from tissues outside the brain, by compression of parts of the brain.
There are two different types. Primary brain tumors start in the brain or a structure of the brain. Metastatic, or secondary tumors begin in another part of the body, such as the breast or lung and then spread to the brain. Metastatic tumors are more common than primary brain tumors and are named by the location where they originate from.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on where the tumor is located inside the brain and how quickly it is growing. The tumor may affect fine motor skills (like the ability to hold a pencil), sensory skills or speech if it is compressing the parts of the brain that control those functions. Overall, presence of a brain tumor raises the pressure inside the skull and results in general symptoms like persistent headache, vomiting and dizziness.
Role of Surgery
If the tumor can be removed without affecting normal brain function, surgery is usually the first line of treatment. For example, a tumor of the meninges doesn’t typically invade the brain, so it is more likely to be resected successfully without damaging the brain. On the other hand, a tumor of the brain tissue grows within the brain and at times infiltrates into the adjacent normal brain tissue. Such tumors are less likely to be completely resectable. Tumors located deep in the brain and surrounding critical structures like blood vessels are more challenging to remove.
Dr Nasir Raza Awan has a vast experience in brain tumor surgery and operates on all kinds of brain tumors.
Herniated Lumbar Disc
Lumbar Disc
Discs are the rubbery cushions which separate the individual vertebrae that form the spine. A herniated disc is a condition in which the outer part, the "annulus" of the disc gets torn enabling the softer inner core, the "nucleus" to extrude through the tear. The herniated material can compress the nerves around the disc and create pain that can radiate through the back and sometimes down the legs.
Symptoms
The earliest symptom is usually intermittent or continuous back pain. This may be made worse by movement, coughing, sneezing, or standing for long periods of time. There is spasm of the back muscles and sometimes pain that starts near the back or buttock and travels down the leg to the calf or into the foot (sciatica). Herniated discs in the lower back can cause changes in bladder or bowel function as well.
Role of Surgery
Most of the back pain can be treated with medication, rest and physiotherapy. It is only when there is disc herniation that surgery is indicated. This is usually determined by the neurosurgeon on clinical examination of the patient and confirmed by imaging studies like MRI.
Once diagnosed, surgery is the most effective modality in treatment of the condition by alleviating pain and in most cases preserving function.
Prof Dr Nasir Raza Awan routinely preforms herniated lumbar disc surgery.
If you think you have time problem, please contact us today.
Spinal Fixation
Spinal Fixation
Spinal fixation is a neurosurgical procedure in which two or more vertebrae are anchored to each other using
a metallic implant with the aim of reducing spinal instability and thus avoiding possible damage to the spinal cord
or the spinal nerves.
Role of Surgery
A spinal fixation procedure is indicated in cases where spine is rendered unstable because of conditions like
spinal trauma suffered in falls, road traffic accidents, sports or involvement of vertebrae in tumors or various infections like tuberculosis of spine.
Indications
Spinal fixation may help relieve symptoms of many back problems, including:
Spinal Deformity like Scoliosis
Fracture of Vertebrae
Degenerative Spinal Disorders
Infections like Caries (Tuberculosis)
Prof Dr Nasir Raza Awan has preformed many successful spinal fixation surgeries.
If you think you need help please book an appointment today.
Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis is a general term for age-related changes in the neck vertebrae and discs due to wear and tear . With age, the water content inside the disc decreases and the disc shrinks resulting in a reduction of the space between individual vertebrae. Signs of osteoarthritis develop, including bony projections (spurs)
along the edges of vertebral bodies.
Cervical spondylosis is very common and worsens with age. More than 85 percent of people older than age 60
are affected by cervical spondylosis.
Symptoms
For most people, cervical spondylosis causes no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they typically include
pain and stiffness in the neck.
Sometimes, cervical spondylosis results in a narrowing of the space needed by the spinal cord and the nerve roots
that pass through the spine to the rest of the body. If the spinal cord or nerve roots become pinched,
the person experiences:
- Tingling, numbness and weakness in arms, hands, legs or feet
- Lack of coordination and difficulty walking
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
Role Of Surgrey
Release of the trapped spinal cord and the nerves is achieved by decompressing the bony pressure on them surgically.
Please feel free to contact Dr. Nasi Raza Awan if you have noticed any of the above symptoms in your body.
Deep Brain Stimulation
Deep Brain Stimulation
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a neurosurgical procedure involving the placement of a medical device called a neurostimulator (sometimes referred to as a 'brain pacemaker'), which sends electrical impulses, through implanted electrodes, to specific targets in the brain (brain nuclei) for the treatment of movement disorders, including Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia.
Uses
DBS may be beneficial for people with the following conditions:
Parkinson's disease
dystonia
essential tremor
It can help to control tremor, which is a symptom of these conditions.
According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), DBS may help improve symptoms such as anxiety, mood, memory function, and compulsion in people with some psychiatric disorders.
These disorders include:
depression that does not respond to other treatment
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Dr. Nasir Raza Awan is one of the few doctors in Pakistan who can help you with Deep Brain Stimulation.
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson’s disease affects the nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine. Parkinson’s disease symptoms include muscle rigidity, tremors, and changes in speech and gait.
Although Parkinson's disease can't be cured, medications might significantly improve your symptoms. Occasionally, your doctor may suggest surgery to regulate certain regions of your brain and improve your symptoms.
Symptoms
Parkinson's disease signs and symptoms can be different for everyone. Early signs may be mild and go unnoticed. Symptoms often begin on one side of your body and usually remain worse on that side, even after symptoms begin to affect both sides.
Parkinson's signs and symptoms may include:
- Tremor. A tremor, or shaking, usually begins in a limb, often your hand or fingers. You may a rub your thumb and forefinger back-and-forth, known as a pill-rolling tremor. Your hand may tremor when it's at rest.
- Slowed movement (bradykinesia). Over time, Parkinson's disease may slow your movement, making simple tasks difficult and time-consuming. Your steps may become shorter when you walk. It may be difficult to get out of a chair. You may drag your feet as you try to walk.
- Rigid muscles. Muscle stiffness may occur in any part of your body. The stiff muscles can be painful and limit your range of motion.
- Impaired posture and balance. Your posture may become stooped, or you may have balance problems as a result of Parkinson's disease.
- Loss of automatic movements. You may have a decreased ability to perform unconscious movements, including blinking, smiling or swinging your arms when you walk.
- Speech changes. You may speak softly, quickly, slur or hesitate before talking. Your speech may be more of a monotone rather than with the usual inflections.
- Writing changes. It may become hard to write, and your writing may appear small.
If you think you need assistance please contact Dr. Nasir Raza Awan today.
Non-Surgical Treatment of Spine
Introduction
Do you know less than 5% of patients with a spinal disorder ever require spine surgery? There are several non-surgical options your doctor may recommend to treat your spinal problems. Often, treatment combines more than one type of therapy. For example, medication may be combined with physical therapy and it is an effective way to treating spinal disorders.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms depend on the specific spine disorder and often affect other parts of the body, depending on the area of the spine or spinal cord that is affected. Common symptoms include:·
- Back or neck pain that can be sharp and stabbing, dull and aching, or burning
- Abnormally rounded shoulders or back
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Pain radiating in the arms or legs
- Stiffness or tightness
- Uneven appearance, such as one shoulder or hip is higher than the other
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs
- Bladder or bowel dysfunction
Dr. Nasir Raza Awan has extensive experience in treating even the most complex spinal conditions, and he offers a range of effective non-surgical treatments to help improve your pain and quality of life.
If you think you need assistance please contact Dr. Nasir Raza Awan today.