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Neurology (Expert Forum)
On My Last Nerve
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury
On My Last Nerve
by darlin, Oct 30, 2001 12:00AM
I am a 41 year old female. Twelve months ago I had an L-4-5 interbody fusion with Brantigan cages and L5-S1 posterolateral fusion due to joint disease and instability. I've recovered from surgery and I'm no longer having the problems with my back as before. However, shortly after surgery I began to develope new problems. A CT/mylagram was done and is showing clumping of the nerves. When I move the nerves get irritated and I experience sharp stabbing pain, burning, cramping, soreness and aggrasive muscle twiching. This is effecting both hips, thighs, calfs, shins and feet and toes. I wear a TENS unit and Im taking 900MG Neurontin. This is helping. I'm streaching as suggested by my neuro-sergeon but it irritates the nerves so much I'm hesitant and afraid to do a lot of things. My left leg feels so heavy while walking it's difficult to walk very far. I want to have a nerve decompression but my sergeon tells me that some surgeons do this but says the nerves would most likly clump back together. I'm seeking another opionion with your clinic hopefully in the near future. I'm on my last nerve. Are you familiar with this sort of decompression? I'm told it's a high risk surgery likly to cause spinal cord injury. Scarring after surgery is common but what would cause the nerves to clump together? Witts End
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT, Oct 30, 2001 12:00AM
I'm not quite sure what you mean when you say "clumping of the nerves" but I'm guessing you are a referring to a condition called adhesive arachoiditis, a known complication of lumbar surgeries and myelogram. The cause of it is thought to be related to any kind of trauma to the spinal cord, type of dye used in myelogram that alters the spinal fluid content, and surgical manipulation. Because of all the pain you're experiencing, you definitely need to be seen by a neurosurgeon. In the past, they've been able to do microscopic surgeries to get rid of the adhesions, but you'll have to talk to your surgeon about the particular technique that he/she uses. If they are not willing, then for your own sake get a second opinion as soon as you can. The top spine surgeons at the Cleveland Clinic are Drs. Ed Benzel and Ian Kalfas. Best of luck.
