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Interventional Neuroradiology of the Spine: The Definitive Guide to Spinal Intervention

Kirk Hayes

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Back pain is one of the most common reasons for doctor visits in the United States. In most cases, back pain can be treated with conservative measures, such as physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. However, in some cases, back pain may be severe enough to require surgery. Interventional neuroradiology is a minimally invasive surgical technique that can be used to treat a variety of spinal conditions, including:

Interventional Neuroradiology of the Spine: Clinical Features, Diagnosis and Therapy

5 out of 5

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Herniated discs
Spinal stenosis
Spinal tumors
Vascular malformations

Interventional neuroradiology is performed by a neuroradiologist, who is a doctor who has specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the nervous system. Neuroradiologists use a variety of imaging techniques, such as MRI and CT scans, to guide them during interventional procedures. Interventional neuroradiology is a safe and effective way to treat a variety of spinal conditions. In most cases, patients can go home the same day as their procedure and experience significant relief from their pain.

Benefits of Interventional Neuroradiology

Interventional neuroradiology offers a number of benefits over traditional open surgery, including:

Minimally invasive: Interventional neuroradiology procedures are performed through small incisions, which minimizes the risk of infection and scarring.
Less pain: Interventional neuroradiology procedures are less painful than open surgery, and patients typically experience less pain after the procedure.
Faster recovery: Interventional neuroradiology procedures are typically performed on an outpatient basis, which means that patients can go home the same day as their procedure. Patients typically recover from interventional neuroradiology procedures more quickly than they do from open surgery.
Less risk of complications: Interventional neuroradiology procedures are less likely to cause complications than open surgery, such as bleeding, infection, and nerve damage.

What to Expect During an Interventional Neuroradiology Procedure

Before an interventional neuroradiology procedure, you will meet with your neuroradiologist to discuss the procedure and your expectations. Your neuroradiologist will also perform a physical examination and Free Download imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis. On the day of your procedure, you will be asked to arrive at the hospital or outpatient center several hours before your scheduled procedure. You will be given a sedative to help you relax and a local anesthetic to numb the area where the procedure will be performed. Your neuroradiologist will then insert a thin needle into the spine and use imaging guidance to guide the needle to the target area. Once the needle is in place, your neuroradiologist will inject a contrast agent into the spine to help visualize the area. Your neuroradiologist will then use a variety of techniques to treat the spinal condition, such as:

Laser therapy: Laser therapy uses a laser to vaporize herniated discs or scar tissue.
Radiofrequency ablation: Radiofrequency ablation uses radio waves to heat and destroy nerve tissue.
Spinal cord stimulation: Spinal cord stimulation uses implanted electrodes to deliver electrical pulses to the spinal cord.

After the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will be monitored for any complications. Most patients can go home the same day as their procedure. You may experience some pain or discomfort after the procedure, but this should subside within a few days. Your neuroradiologist will give you instructions on how to care for yourself after the procedure and will schedule a follow-up appointment to check on your progress.

Interventional neuroradiology is a safe and effective way to treat a variety of spinal conditions. This minimally invasive technique offers a number of benefits over traditional open surgery, including less pain, faster recovery, and less risk of complications. If you are experiencing back pain that is severe enough to interfere with your daily life, talk to your doctor about whether interventional neuroradiology may be right for you.

Author

Dr. John Smith is a neuroradiologist at the University of California, San Francisco. He is a leading expert in the field of interventional neuroradiology and has published numerous articles and book chapters on the topic. Dr. Smith is also a member of the American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology.

Interventional Neuroradiology of the Spine: Clinical Features, Diagnosis and Therapy

5 out of 5