This pamphlet explains what to expect before and after spine surgery. Topics include information about your spine, the surgery, and your discharge day, and what to expect at home. A pre-surgery checklist, activity guidelines, and information on when to see a health care provider are included.
This test is sometimes called a spinal tap. There is a space around your spinal cord that is filled with fluid. In a lumbar puncture, a small amount of fluid is taken from this space. This pamphlet explains how the test is done and what will happen after the test. A list of symptoms that need medical attention is included.
This test is sometimes called a spinal tap. There is a space around your spinal cord that is filled with fluid. In a lumbar puncture, a small amount of fluid is taken from this space. The cells in the fluid are studied under a microscope in a lab to check for any problems. This pamphlet explains what a lumbar puncture is, how long it takes, how the test is done, and what will happen after the test. A list of symptoms that require medical attention is included.
This pamphlet explains what to watch for at home after having an epidural (medication in the space around your spine) for pain relief. For 30 days (1 month) after your epidural is taken out, there is a small risk that you may develop an infection. This is very rare. A list of symptoms that require you to visit to an Emergency Department is given.
An epidural blood patch is a procedure to treat headaches caused by low pressure in the fluid around the spine and brain. Your own blood can seal a leak in the spine the same way a bicycle inner tube can be patched. This can happen because of a spinal fluid leak after a spinal procedure. In rare cases it may happen spontaneously (for no apparent reason). This pamphlet explains what is done during an epidural blood patch. Topics include: what to expect after the procedure, what to do after going…
This pamphlets explores what happens when cancer spreads to bones in the spine, causing spinal cord compression. Symptoms and treatments are listed.