Re: Nerve Damage

Posted By CCF Neurosurgery MD on January 19, 1998 at 23:06:16:

In Reply to: Nerve Damage posted by Nedal Issa on January 19, 1998 at 16:56:07:







: I had a laminectomy on 12/17/96. I still have pain from
l5/s1 root nerve, recent MRI showed a small herniation
at l5/s1 again.
I feel the nerve at l5/s1 is pressured by scar tissue and
the herniation. And I feel the nerve is some what damaged!!
How can I tell if my root nerve is damaged? Another surgeon
suggested I go for another laminectomy? But I am real concerned
about going for another lami...will my nerve recover ?? Can
scar tissue or the herniated disc damage my nerve?
How would a damaged nerve feel like??
right now I feel some weakness in my right leg and numbness
in my right leg. How can I tell that my nerve will reover
if I have another laminectomy.
also please tell me about possible treatments for damaged
root nerve and scar tissue.




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Dear Nedal Issa:
Although not frequently common, some patients may have recurrent herniation
of a lumbar disc following back surgery. In addition, scar tissue in some
patients may contribute to problems especially if a nerve root is
compressed for any reason.
Certainly, the longer this compression exists, the chances of nerve root
damage increase. In about one third of patients the nerve root injury
will improve after surgery. In one-third of patients there is a slight
chance that they may get worse and in the remainder, once nerve root
damage sets in, no change will occur after surgery.
If your symptoms are progressing, surgery with re-exploration may be
indicated if there is compression of the nerve root which is seen on
imaging studies (such as an MRI and/or a myelogram). This should be
correlated with a thorough neurologic examination by a qualified neurosurgeon.
If you are in the northeast Ohio area you may wish to contact a
neurosurgeon at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation at [phone].
Good Luck !