Best Doctors in India for Myelopathy Treatment
- Orthopedic Surgeon & Spine Surgeon, Mumbai, India
- Over 20 years’ experience
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Gautam Zaveri is one of the best spine surgeons in India today and has performed over 3000 spinal surgeries for the treatment of spinal fractures, trauma, slipped discs, kyphosis, scoliosis, sciatica, spondylolisthesis, and spinal stenosis.
- Dr. Zaveri specializes in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeries commonly known as MISS and performs most of his procedures using this technique to minimize cuts and speed up the recovery process.
- Neurosurgeon, Chennai, India
- Over 35 years’ experience
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. K Sridhar is a renowned Neurosurgeon who has an experience of 35+ years in brain and spine surgery and has performed over 1000 complex brain tumor surgeries.
- His primary area of interest is skull base surgery, micro neurosurgery, and spine surgery, and is currently working on lesions of the brain stem.
- Neurosurgeon, Bengaluru, India
- Over 22 years’ experience
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Madhusudan H V is an expert Neurosurgeon in South India with 22+ years of experience in neuro and spine surgery.
- With a specialization in minimally invasive neurosurgeries, Dr. Madhusudan holds the credit for more than 7000 neurosurgeries. He also finds interest in endoscopic interventions and frameless navigations.
- Orthopedic Surgeon, New Delhi, India
- Over 20 years’ experience
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Mrinal Sharma is a highly renowned Orthopedic Surgeon and Joint Replacement Specialist with a specialization in Arthroplasty.
- Dr. Mrinal Sharma holds with him an experience of more than a decade and has achieved huge success with joint replacement procedures, especially of the knee, during his career.
- He is among the new generation of Orthopedic surgeons who use Computer Navigated techniques for performing knee and hip replacement surgeries.
- Orthopedic Surgeon, Mumbai, India
- Over 20 years’ experience
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Murali Poduval is a well-known Orthopedic surgeon in Mumbai with a specialization in Joint Replacement surgeries.
- He holds an extensive experience of close to 2 decades in Orthopedics and Joint replacement surgery and is an expert in the management and treatment of deformity correction, arthroplasty, and complex trauma.
- He is highly skilled in performing all types of primary and revision surgeries on the hip, knee, and spine. His primary interest also includes hip arthroplasty for severe defects in children and adolescents.
- Orthopedic Surgeon & Spine Surgeon, New Delhi, India
- Over 40 years’ experience
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Pradeep Sharma is the Director of the BLK-Max Centre for Orthopedics, Joint Reconstruction, and Spine Surgery in Delhi.
- Dr. Pradeep Sharma has an experience of 40+ years in the field and is an expert in the treatment of both adult and pediatric patients.
- Dr. Pradeep Sharma runs arthroplasty Fellowships supported by Zimmer and Stryker and has trained and mentored young surgeons in Arthroplasty.
- Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon, Bengaluru, India
- Over 20 years’ experience
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Prahraj S S is a leading Neurosurgeon who specializes in all types of neurological surgeries and has performed over 6000 neurosurgeries till date along with complex cranial and spine surgeries.
- He is one of the most renowned neurosurgeons in the country and has provided his services to some of the premier medical institutes in India such as NIMHANS where he performed a large number of spinal surgeries.
- Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon, Bengaluru, India
- Over 15 years’ experience
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Praveen K S is a highly qualified neurosurgeon with over a decade of experience in handling all kinds of neurological diseases and disorders.
- He specializes in Pediatric Neurosurgery, Neuro-Oncology, Endoscopic neurosurgery, Aneurysms, and Neuro- Trauma and has performed over 4000 neurosurgeries in his career.
- Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon, Mumbai, India
- Over 20 years’ experience
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Rahul Modgi is a highly established neuro and spine surgeon in Mumbai specializing in all types of brain and spine surgeries.
- Dr. Rahul Modgi’s name has been recorded in the Limca Book of Records in 2014 when he removed the heaviest iron rod from the brain of a 17-year-old patient. He has also performed various other risky surgeries for which he has greatly appreciated.
- Neurosurgeon, Bengaluru, India
- Over 30 years’ experience
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Rajakumar V Deshpande is a renowned Neurosurgeon in Bengaluru. He performed the first pedicle screw fixation surgery for a spine injury in Bangalore.
- Dr. D V Rajakumar specializes in endoscopic neurosurgeries and has performed some of the most complex brain and spine surgeries through the endoscopic approach. His other areas of interest include minimally invasive neuro surgeries, management of cerebrovascular diseases, and brain tumor surgeries.
Best Hospitals in India for Myelopathy Treatment
Paras Hospital, Gurugram
- City: Gurugram, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Paras hospital was established in 2006 and is the 250 bedded flagship hospital of Paras Healthcare.
- The is supported by a team of doctors of international and national repute.
- The hospital is NABH accredited and also the first hospital in the region to have a NABL accredited laboratory.
- The hospital provides specialty medical services in around 55 departments including Neurosciences, Joint Replacement, Mother & Child Care, Minimal Invasive Surgery, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, Cosmetic and Plastic surgery.
- The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies.
S L Raheja Hospital, Mahim, Mumbai
- City: Mumbai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- SL Raheja hospital is a 140-bed multi-specialty tertiary care hospital that is being managed by Fortis Healthcare Ltd.
- The hospital is a benchmark in healthcare and medical facilities in the neighborhood of Mahim & the western suburbs.
- L.Raheja Hospital, Mahim has one of the most effective ICU and Casualty care services.
- The hospital provides specialty medical services in Cardiology, Oncology, Neurology, Orthopedics, Mother & Child Care, and in Diabetes.
Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai
- City: Mumbai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Wockhardt Hospitals were established in the year 1973, originally called First Hospitals and Heart Institute.
- Wockhardt Hospitals are super specialty health care networks in India, nurtured by Wockhardt Ltd, India’s 5th largest Pharmaceutical and Healthcare company.
- Wockhardt Hospitals is associated with Partners Harvard Medical International, an international arm of Harvard Medical School, USA.
- Wockhardt Heart Hospital performed India’s first endoscopic heart surgery.
- The hospital has a state-of-the-art infrastructure equipped with the latest technologies and modern equipment.
- It has special Centers of Excellence dedicated to the major specialties to provide hassle-free and high-quality clinical care.
Pushpawati Singhania Hospital & Research Institute, New Delhi
- City: New Delhi, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Established in 1996, Pushpawati Singhania Research Institute is one of the top hospitals in the NCR region, as well as one of the top facilities in India for gastroenterology. The hospital is one of South Asia’s first institutes in medical and surgical treatment for diseases related to digestion.
- The hospital is equipped with state-of-the art facilities coupled with the latest equipment as well as renowned consultants from various parts of India as well as other parts of the world.
Indian Spinal Injuries Center, New Delhi, India
- City: New Delhi, India
Hospital Highlights:
- The Indian Spinal Injuries Center (ISIC), provides state-of-the-art facilities for the management of all types of spinal ailments.
- Staffed with internationally trained, acclaimed, and dedicated spine surgeons, the hospital provides cutting-edge medical & surgical technology. The hospital provides comprehensive management of spinal injury, back pain, spinal deformities, tumors, osteoporosis, etc.
- The hospital performs motion-preserving spine surgeries including disc replacement and dynamic fixation, and minimally invasive spine surgeries such as endoscopic disc excision.
- The orthopedic service of the hospital covers all orthopedic ailments including trauma, joint diseases & replacements, oncology, pediatric orthopedics & upper limb ailment.
W Pratiksha Hospital, Gurgaon
- City: Gurugram, India
Hospital Highlights:
- W Pratiksha Hospital, Gurugram, is one of the best hospitals in the NCR region. It is also a top hospital in India for IVF. Since its inception, the hospital has performed over 5500 successful IVFs. The hospital also specializes in gynecology.
- With over 20 years of experience in providing quality healthcare, the hospital is known as one of the most trusted and valued health providers in India.
- Equipped with world-class medical facilities and advanced technology, the hospital’s doctors and clinicians also have a track record of delivering excellent results. The hospital is also known for focusing on preventive well-being as much as on curative treatment.
- The hospital has earned the trust of its patients, by providing the best available treatments at affordable costs.
Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Gurugram
- City: Gurugram, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Situated near DLF Cyber City, Gurugram, Narayana Superspecialty Hospital is one of the top medical facilities in the Delhi NCR region, catering to the needs of the people. Known for its commitment to quality medical care and patient service, the hospital is a state-of-the-art facility with planned and well-equipped sections, which includes a spacious OPD area as well as comfortable patient rooms.
- It is the closest super-specialty hospital from Indira Gandhi International Airport towards Gurugram, and also the nearest super specialty hospital from DLF Cyber City. It is also close to major residential areas in Gurugram.
- It is part of the renowned Narayana Health Group. Established in 2000, by Dr. Devi Shetty, a renowned cardiac surgeon, it has grown to be one fo India’s leading healthcare groups.
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi
- City: New Delhi, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi is known to provide the latest medical procedures with the latest technology in all of its units.
- The hospital has a team of reputed doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals that ensure that patients receive quality care at affordable costs.
- Staffed with a team of highly qualified doctors, dedicated nurses, and paramedical and non-medical staff, the hospital aims to lead in healthcare delivery, medical education, training, and research.
- As per the vision of the founder, the hospital also provides free treatment to the economically weaker sections of society.
- Sir Ganga Ram Hospital also provides training to young doctors under the Diplomate in National Board(DNB) program. The DNB program at the hospital was started in 1984 and it is known for currently running the maximum number of DNB specialties in the country. It also has the distinction of having the first bone bank in India.
KIMS Hospital, Hyderabad
- City: Hyderabad, India
Hospital Highlights:
- KIMS Hospital (a brand name of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences) is one of the largest and best multi-speciality hospitals in Hyderabad. The hospital provides various treatments to an enormous number of patients.
- The hospital has a capacity of more than 3000 beds. KIMS Hospitals offers different healthcare services in more than 25 specialities and super specialities.
- The hospital is equipped with modern medical equipment and technology. It has robotic equipment to provide minimal invasive techniques for patients.
- The hospital is aimed at providing world-class healthcare facilities and services at an affordable cost for patients.
- The various specialities and departments of the hospital include neurosciences, gastroenterology & hepatology, robotic science, reproductive sciences, dental science, oncological sciences, organ transplantation, heart and lung transplantation and mother and child care.
Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh
- City: New Delhi, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Fortis Hospital in Shalimar Bagh is a multi-super specialty hospital that strives to provide world-class patient care by leaving no stone unturned.
- Fortis, Shalimar Bagh, with 262 beds and a 7.34-acre footprint, provides the best level of medical care through its team of doctors, nurses, technicians, and management professionals.
Myelopathy
Myelopathy is an injury to the spinal cord caused by severe compression. This compression may result from trauma, congenital stenosis, disc herniation, or degenerative disease. Your spinal cord is a group of nerves housed inside your spine running almost its entire length. If any portion of the spinal cord gets compressed or constricted, the resulting symptoms are termed myelopathy.
Types
Depending on where the condition is on the spine, there are various types of this condition:
Cervical myelopathy- This type of myelopathy affects the neck and is also the most common form of this condition. It’s generally caused by degeneration in the cervical spine, and it might lead to weakness, numbness, and tingling in your hands, arms, and legs.
Thoracic myelopathy- This type of myelopathy affects your mid-spine. It’s generally caused by bulging or herniated discs, bone spurs, or in some cases, spinal trauma. The signs and symptoms generally come on slowly, unless the cause of the compression is trauma. Some of these symptoms include numbness and weakness in the legs, loss of coordination, as well as difficulty in walking.
Lumbar myelopathy- This is the least common type of myelopathy, which affects the lower part of the spine, also known as the lumbar region.
Symptoms
When your spinal cord is compressed or injured, it might lead to loss of sensation, loss of function, as well as pain or discomfort in the area at or below your compression point. Some other symptoms of myelopathy include:
- Neck, arm, leg, or lower back pain
- A sensation of tingling, numbness, or weakness
- Increased reflexes in extremities or the development of abnormal reflexes
- Difficulty with fine motor skills, such as buttoning a shirt or writing
- Difficulty while walking
- Issues with balance and coordination
- Loss of urinary or bowel control
Generally, the exact symptoms depend on where in the spine the condition is present.
Causes
Myelopathy generally develops slowly due to the gradual degeneration of the spine, but it might also take an acute form or stem from a spine deformity that was already present at birth. The most common causes are generally degenerative spinal conditions, such as spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the bony passageways of the spine, through which the spinal cord, as well as the nerve roots, travel.
Central disc herniations may also result in compression on the spinal cord, which can lead to the development of myelopathy. Autoimmune disorders, like rheumatoid arthritis in the spine, may lead to degenerative changes as well, in the vertebrae which result in spinal cord compression and myelopathy.
Hernias, cysts, hematomas, as well as spinal tumors, including bone cancer, might also press on the spinal cord and lead to myelopathy.
Sometimes, acute myelopathy might also develop quickly due to spinal injury, spinal infection, inflammatory disease, neurological disorders, or even radiation therapy.
Diagnosis
Since the symptoms of myelopathy are not unique to the condition, your doctor is likely going to recommend the following tests for the diagnosis of the condition:
X-ray
An X-ray in order to rule out any other problems.
MRI
An MRI scan for a detailed look of the spine and spinal canal, which is able to show areas of stenosis.
Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy is used to reveal any abnormalities of the spinal cord. It is sometimes used instead of MRI for patients who are unable to sit inside the MRI machine.
Electromyogram
Electrical tests, such as an electromyogram might also be recommended. These tests measures how nerve stimulation in an arm, hand, leg or foot is connecting through the spinal cord to the brain.
In some cases, myelopathy is also added at the end of another underlying condition to indicate the involvement of your spinal cord. For example, your doctor might let you know that you are having cervical stenosis with myelopathy or thoracic disc disorder with myelopathy. Similarly, if your spinal cord is not involved, your diagnosis is going to say- ‘without myelopathy’.
If your myelopathy is caused as a complication of another disease, your doctor might refer to it in the terms of this disease. For example, diabetic myelopathy means that your spinal cord has been damaged due to your diabetes.
Treatment
Treatment is going to vary, depending on the type of myelopathy, how far the condition has progressed as well as the cause. For example, if a bacterial infection is the cause of your myelopathy, then treating the infection with antibiotics might treat the compression on the nerves. Some of the other possible treatments include:
A neck brace
Neck braces can provide support to your neck and also relieve pressure on the cervical part of your spinal cord. This is not going to remove the cause of the pressure, but it might delay the progression, and can also reduce the associated pain and symptoms.
Physical therapy
A physical therapist can help you with physical therapy exercises that might help to relieve pressure on your spinal cord.
Medications
Certain medications might help to reduce inflammation and also relieve symptoms. A steroid injection directly into the affected area is also an option for temporary relief.
Surgery
Surgery is also an option to remove any tumors or bone spurs or to repair herniated discs. It is the only treatment option that addresses the actual cause of the issue and may provide permanent relief.