Disease Guides & Medical Conditions
Comprehensive information about neurological and spinal conditions, their symptoms, causes, and treatment options available at our practice.
"Understanding your condition is the first step toward effective treatment and recovery."
â Dr. Sayuj Krishnan
Common Conditions We Treat
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative Disc Disease
Age-related wear and tear of spinal discs causing chronic back pain
Severity:
Moderate to Severe
Recovery Time:
3-6 months
Key Symptoms:
- Chronic back pain
- Stiffness
- Reduced flexibility
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of spinal canal causing nerve compression and pain
Severity:
Moderate to Severe
Recovery Time:
2-4 months
Key Symptoms:
- Leg pain
- Numbness
- Weakness
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Severe facial pain caused by trigeminal nerve compression
Severity:
Severe
Recovery Time:
1-3 months
Key Symptoms:
- Electric shock-like pain
- Facial spasms
- Pain triggered by touch
Epilepsy
Epilepsy
Neurological disorder causing recurrent seizures
Severity:
Moderate to Severe
Recovery Time:
6-12 months
Key Symptoms:
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Muscle spasms
Herniated Disc
Herniated Disc
Bulging or ruptured spinal disc pressing on nerves
Severity:
Moderate to Severe
Recovery Time:
2-6 weeks
Key Symptoms:
- Back pain
- Leg pain
- Numbness
Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical Radiculopathy
Nerve root compression in the neck causing arm pain and weakness
Severity:
Moderate to Severe
Recovery Time:
4-8 weeks
Key Symptoms:
- Neck pain
- Arm pain
- Numbness in arms
Brain Tumors
Brain Tumors
Abnormal growth of cells in the brain requiring surgical intervention
Severity:
Severe
Recovery Time:
3-12 months
Key Symptoms:
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Memory problems
Sciatica
Sciatica
Pain along the sciatic nerve from lower back to leg
Severity:
Moderate to Severe
Recovery Time:
4-8 weeks
Key Symptoms:
- Lower back pain
- Leg pain
- Burning sensation
Condition-Specific FAQs
Degenerative Disc Disease
What is degenerative disc disease and how is it different from normal aging?
Degenerative disc disease is the breakdown of spinal discs due to aging, wear and tear, or injury. While some disc degeneration is normal with aging, DDD causes significant pain and functional limitations that require medical intervention.
Can degenerative disc disease be reversed?
While the disc degeneration itself cannot be reversed, symptoms can be effectively managed through physical therapy, pain management, and in severe cases, minimally invasive endoscopic procedures to relieve nerve compression.
What are the surgical options for degenerative disc disease?
Surgical options include endoscopic discectomy for nerve decompression, spinal fusion for stabilization, and artificial disc replacement. Dr. Sayuj specializes in minimally invasive endoscopic procedures that offer faster recovery.
Spinal Stenosis
What causes spinal stenosis and can it be prevented?
Spinal stenosis is primarily caused by aging, arthritis, and bone spurs. While aging cannot be prevented, maintaining good posture, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking can help slow progression.
How is spinal stenosis diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves physical examination, MRI or CT scans to visualize the spinal canal, and sometimes nerve conduction studies to assess nerve function.
What is the success rate of endoscopic decompression for spinal stenosis?
Endoscopic decompression has a success rate of 85-90% for spinal stenosis, with patients typically experiencing significant pain relief and improved mobility within 2-4 months.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
What triggers trigeminal neuralgia pain?
Common triggers include light touch, eating, talking, brushing teeth, or even a breeze on the face. The pain is often described as electric shock-like and can be debilitating.
What is microvascular decompression and when is it recommended?
Microvascular decompression (MVD) is a surgical procedure that relieves pressure on the trigeminal nerve by placing a cushion between the nerve and compressing blood vessel. It's recommended when medications fail to control pain.
How effective is Gamma Knife radiosurgery for trigeminal neuralgia?
Gamma Knife radiosurgery has a 70-80% success rate for trigeminal neuralgia, with pain relief typically occurring within 2-6 weeks. It's a non-invasive alternative to traditional surgery.
Epilepsy
When is epilepsy surgery considered?
Epilepsy surgery is considered when seizures are not controlled by medications (drug-resistant epilepsy) and the seizure focus can be identified and safely removed without affecting critical brain functions.
What types of epilepsy surgery are available?
Surgical options include temporal lobectomy, lesionectomy, corpus callosotomy, and vagus nerve stimulation. The choice depends on the location and type of seizures.
What is the success rate of epilepsy surgery?
Epilepsy surgery has a 60-80% success rate for achieving seizure freedom, with temporal lobectomy showing the highest success rates for temporal lobe epilepsy.
Treatment Approaches
Medical Management
Pain medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, and targeted therapies
Physical Therapy
Exercise programs, manual therapy, and rehabilitation
Minimally Invasive
Endoscopic procedures with faster recovery and less pain
Advanced Surgery
Complex procedures for severe cases requiring specialized care
Need Help with a Specific Condition?
Schedule a consultation to discuss your condition and explore the best treatment options for your needs.
Medically reviewed by Dr Sayuj Krishnan â MBBS, DNB Neurosurgery (Direct 6 years), Fellowship in Minimally Invasive and Advanced Spine Surgery
Last reviewed: October 1, 2025