Spine Malformation Treatment in Dubai
What is Lower Back Pain?
A spinal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a cluster of abnormally intertwined blood vessels near the spinal cord that disrupts the normal flow of oxygenated blood.
Blood usually travels through arteries, capillaries, and veins, but in an AV malformation spinal cord, it bypasses the capillaries, depriving spinal cells of oxygen and leading to cellular damage or death.
The tangled vessels also increase the risk of bleeding within the spinal cord. Over time, the AVM can expand, causing pressure and potential disability.
Symptoms of Spinal AVM
Types and Progression of Symptom
Symptoms can emerge suddenly or gradually, including: 1- Difficulty walking or climbing stairs. 2- Numbness, tingling, or sudden leg pain. 3- Weakness on one or both sides of the body.Advanced Symptoms
As the condition progresses, additional symptoms may include:- Sudden, severe back pain
- Loss of leg sensation
- Difficulty urinating or defecating
- Headaches
- Neck stiffness
- Light sensitivity
Note: Variability
Symptoms depend on the location and severity of the spinal AVM. Some individuals remain asymptomatic for years, while others experience severe, life-threatening symptoms.Age of Onset
Symptoms typically appear in the 20s, with about 20 % of cases diagnosed before age 16.What causes spinal AVMs?
The exact cause of arteriovenous malformation of the spine is not fully understood. However, they are believed to develop during foetal development or early childhood due to abnormalities in blood vessel formation.
Some factors contributing to their development include genetic predisposition, although most cases are sporadic and not inherited. Environmental factors or certain medical conditions may also affect their formation.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) typically involves a combination of specialised imaging techniques designed to visualise the abnormal blood vessel cluster:
- Angiography
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- CT (Computed Tomography) scans
- Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
Treatment for Spinal AVM
Treating a spinal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) involves multiple approaches to alleviate symptoms and mitigate potential complications.
The treatment plan is customised according to the AVM’s size, location, blood flow, neurological exam results, and the patient’s overall health.
The primary objectives of spinal AVM treatment are:
- Reducing the risk of bleeding.
- Preventing or halting the progression of disability and other symptoms.
1- Medication
Pain-relieving medications can help manage symptoms such as back pain and stiffness. However, surgical intervention is often necessary for most spinal AVMs.
2- Surgical Options
Surgery is typically required to remove a spinal AVM from the surrounding tissue. There are three main surgical approaches:
- Conventional Surgery
Conventional surgery involves a surgeon making an incision in the skin to excise the AVM, while carefully avoiding any harm to the spinal cord and adjacent structures. This type of surgery is typically performed when the AVM is relatively small and located in an accessible region of the spinal cord.
- Endovascular Embolisation
Endovascular embolisation, a minimally invasive procedure performed by interventional radiologists, reduces the risk of spinal AVM complications like haemorrhage.
Using a catheter inserted through a leg artery, glue-like material is injected into the AVM’s feeding artery to decrease blood flow. This method isn’t a permanent AVM solution but may precede surgery to minimise bleeding risk or shrink the AVM, improving surgical outcomes.
- Radiosurgery
Radiosurgery is a specialised procedure where concentrated radiation is targeted precisely at the AVM to disrupt and ultimately close its abnormal blood vessels.
These vessels gradually deteriorate and cease functioning over time. This method is primarily employed for treating small AVMs that have not ruptured, offering a noninvasive alternative to traditional surgical approaches.
Choose King’s Spine Centre for spine malformation treatment in Dubai
King’s Spine Centre offers unparalleled expertise and compassionate care for those needing effective spine malformation treatment in Dubai.
At King’s Spine Centre, our team of top specialists in spinal arteriovenous malformation provides personalised treatment plans designed to alleviate symptoms and enhance spinal health.
We are dedicated to comprehensive care, from initial treatment to thorough aftercare, ensuring a smooth recovery for every patient.
Our commitment to excellence includes offering the most advanced treatments for spinal arteriovenous malformation and other spine-related conditions.
By delivering individualised, cutting-edge care, we strive to relieve our patients’ pain and significantly improve their quality of life. Choose King’s Spine Centre for exceptional spine care in Dubai.
