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Neurology (Expert Forum)
sympathectomy?
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.
sympathectomy?
by debra21784, Dec 11, 2001 12:00AM
Thank you for answering my previous questions about my recovery from stroke.I now have another question.Last year I had a shower of multiple microemboli and they settled in my foot.Was treated with heparin ,plavix etc. Now one year later my toes turn purple -black whenever I sit or take a shower.I have some necrotic areas on toes and they are very painful.Anyway I went and saw a vascular suregon and he referred me to a nuerosuregon for a sympathectomy.He told me the vessels in my toes were severely damaged from the microemboli and the only way to save the toes is to open those vessels. My question is Isn't major surgewry a little risky given my hx of cardiac disease and stroke?Are there other options? We did try Norvasc but no results
What happens without surgery? How serious is this sort of condition if I don't procede? I was worked up for all sorts of autoimmune disorders but they were negative.
Thank you
What happens without surgery? How serious is this sort of condition if I don't procede? I was worked up for all sorts of autoimmune disorders but they were negative.
Thank you
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT, Dec 12, 2001 12:00AM
I understand your concern about jumping into a surgical procedure because of your past medical history. The medical literature does describe some success with lumbar sympathectomies in patients with gangrenous toes in an attempt to increase blood flow to allow healing of the ulcers. THere has been more research looking at this procedure for poor circulation in the hands due to Raynauds. In one series involving the legs, 61 patients underwent this procedure with an overall improvement rate of 60%. However, the mortality rate postop was 6% which isn't bad, but given your history, you may have a slightly higher risk. If you choose to do nothing and you already have necrosis, you risk amputation of your toes at the very least. This may not be the only option for you. Consider getting a second opinion from another vascular surgeon, preferrably someone at a major academic or clinical institution. We have outstanding vascular surgeons here at the Cleveland CLinic who may be able to do something for you depending on the degree of your vascular changes. It's a tough decision for you, so get as much info as you can about all your options. GOod luck.
I'm 32 years old female and an otherwise healthy adult. For the last 6 months I been having these weird sensations in just my right leg. It happens maybe a few times a week, and sometimes all day. It's like a vibrating feeling down my calf. It lasts for a few seconds and then returns at a later time. It does not hurt, and is mostly just really annoying. I such a worrier, I'm convinced I have MS or PD. Sometimes my foot/ leg falls asleep when I sit in a particular position as well, and I have had a kinda numbness on the right side of my face a few times.
HELP - what could this be
Thanks