Questions posted in the
Heart Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
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Subject: Re: Vertebral Artery Stenosis Topic Area: StenosisPosted by Vickie on April 28, 1999 at 20:44:47My father has recently found out that the artery on the right side in the back of his neck is being "blocked" when he turns his head to the right. After undergoing a Cath, the doctor said it was due to the spinal bones that the vessel goes through, they were pinching the vessel off as he turned his head. They also said that he does not have any of the "alternate pathways" for the blood flow to continue; thus making him at high risk for stroke, passing out, etc. My question is this: The neurosurgeon said he is treating him for vertebral artery stenosis, but the surgery he is to have on May 7 is to go in and see if there is a bone spur there and eliminate it. He is worried because of the length of time the doctor has reported to his employer that he will be out (6-8 weeks). Exactly what does this type of surgery entail and what can he expect to be able to do when he comes home from the hospital & how long will it take for him to "get back to "normal""? I would appreciate an answer ASAP, his surgery is on May 7, 1999 at Palmetto Richland Memorial in Columbia, SC.
Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on April 30, 1999 at 10:16:35 Dear Vickie I think that the recovery period the neurosurgeon mentioned is accurate. This will be delicate surgery. Assuming that all goes well, he would still need several weeks to recuperate. I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back. Information provided here is for general purposes only. Specific questions should be addressed to your own doctor. If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.
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