Is surgery neccessary?

[elle1999]

After a failed disc replacement I had spinal fusion via wearing halo traction in 1995.  3 Years ago ffollowing an RTA a bone spur was found on the site, since that time I have suffered epuisodes of disorientation, nausea, and dizziness when my head is turned to the right. 3 weeks ago I had another episode more severe including slurred speech and numbness on the left side of my tongue, intitial GP diagnosis is a Mini-stroke and I have a referral to a clinic.
Do you think that surgery will be neccessary in this case and if so what would be the expected recovery period afterwards.???

Thankyou and eagerly awaiting your reply.


This discussion is related to Osteophytes.

[Cookie122]

Just so I'm sure, you think the bone spur is causing your problems? Where exactly is the bone spur? Was stroke ruled out or did the bone spur cause the stroke?

[elle1999]

Thanks for your help.
The bone spur is growing out of the right side of C5/6 in my neck and is quite significant.  My GP thinks that the bone spur probably restricted blood flow to my brain causing the mini-stroke when my head was turned to the right for approx 10 mins.  However I am due to attend a specialised stroke clinic next week so any other possible causes can be ruled out.  
Other sypmtoms I have developed are almost total deafness in my right ear requiring a hearing aid, and a drooping left eye lid....? I don't know if they have anything to do with the bone spur or not...?
I am 50 years old.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

[Cookie122]

I think a lot of your problems can be attributed to the bone spur due to its location and size. Some of your problems may be permanent because of the stroke and/or continued restricted blood flow, so if you have a surgery don't go into it thinking that all your problems will disappear, although they might. It is probably time to consult a neurologist or other specialist with your problems if you haven't already and you may want to consider a surgery if it is deemed that the bone spur is causing some of your problems. It does sound like the bone spur is causing your problems from my point of view without knowing more of your history.

[elle1999]

Thanks for your help.  I am attending a specialised stroke clinic tomorrow and seing a consultant neurologist, however I feel that when other causes of the stroke are explored it will probably be diagnosed as being caused as you say by the bone spur.

I have researched the surgery proceedure so am prepared should it be neccessary.

Kind regards