[andys]

#4542

Dr Corenman,
Thanks you for your expert advice and time devoted to this forum. I have a family member who underwent surgery to remedy her cervical spinal stenosis about 4-months ago. She has recovered mobility after having required a walker one month prior to the surgery. The problem is that she suffers numbness in her fingertips, and is prone to dropping things presumably via a loss of fine motor skills. Her doctor tells her that she needs to be patient that it may take 8 to 12-months to recover. She is depressed and worried that this condition might be permanent.

Question: Do you have any statistics on comparable recoveries that might allay her concerns?

Thank You!

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#4543

Cervical stenosis that causes cord compression produces spinal cord dysfunction and the symptoms of myelopathy. The spinal cord is not just “a long nerve” but in reality an extension of the lower part of the brain. Damage to the cord is similar to damage to the brain. This is why decompression of the cord is important prior to the onset of significant myelopathy. Surgery is designed to prevent further damage and recovery from cord injury will not be known for a year.

The cord has functions that involve coordination of the muscles. Your sister recovered her walking ability which is wonderful but she was left with residuals of hand incoordination. Full recovery is not guaranteed. Hard work and relearning through tracts that are undamaged is important. There is no way to know what the final outcome will be.

Dr. Corenman

[andys]

#4546

Dr Corenman,
Thank you for your quick reply. We will work with her to pursue available physical therapy options and to be patient during the recovery.

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