Head and Neck Surgery

RISKS

Although neck surgery has its advantages, there are also risks you need to consider. Risks of this type of surgery include:

• Stiffness or pain after surgery.
• Bleeding at the surgical site.
• Leakage of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF).
• Stiffness or post-operative pain.
• Infection.
• Reaction to anesthesia.
• Heart attack, stroke, blood clots, and nerve damage are all possible complications.

Considering the advantages and disadvantages of neck surgery gives you an idea of what to expect before and after having the procedure.

DIAGNOSIS

Your health care provider will likely start with a physical exam that includes:

• Checking the range of motion in your neck
• Testing your reflexes and muscle strength to find out if there's pressure on your spinal nerves or spinal cord
• Watching you walk to see if spinal compression is affecting your gait
• Imaging tests
• Imaging tests can provide detailed information to guide diagnosis and treatment.

Examples include:

• Neck X-ray

An X-ray can show changes in the spine, such as bone spurs, that indicate cervical spondylosis. Neck X-ray can also rule out rare and more serious causes for neck pain and stiffness, such as tumors, cancer, infections or fractures.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Using radio waves and a strong magnetic field, MRI can produce detailed images that can help pinpoint areas where nerves might be pinched.

• Computed tomography (CT) myelography

In this type of computed tomography (CT) scan, a dye is injected into the spinal canal to provide more-detailed imaging. This test makes it easier to see the details of the spinal cord, spinal canal and nerve roots.

• Nerve function tests

You may need tests to determine if nerve signals are traveling properly to your muscles. Nerve function tests include:

• Electromyography

This test measures the electrical activity in your nerves as they transmit messages to your muscles when the muscles are contracting and at rest.

• Nerve conduction study

Electrodes are attached to the skin above the nerve to be studied. A small shock is passed through the nerve to measure the strength and speed of nerve signals.

PREPARING FOR SURGERY

What you can do:

• Write down your symptoms and when they began.
• Write down your key medical information, including other conditions.
• Write down key personal information, including any major changes or stressors in your life.
• Make a list of all your medications, vitamins or supplements.
• Find out if anyone in your family has had similar problems.
• Ask a family member or friend to accompany you, to help you remember what you learn during the appointment.

Questions to ask your doctor:

• What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?
• What kinds of tests do I need?
• What treatments are available?
• I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
• In addition to asking questions you've prepared, don't hesitate to ask other questions that come up during your appointment.