Question 1

Does insurance cover neurosurgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most major insurance providers cover neurosurgical procedures. CARE Hospital supports CGHS, state government schemes, private health insurance companies and Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY. Hospital staff also assist with insurance documentation.

Question 2

What is minimally invasive spine surgery?

Accepted Answer

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) uses small incisions, usually 1–2 cm, instead of large open surgical cuts. Benefits include less muscle damage, reduced blood loss, faster recovery, shorter hospital stay and less post-operative pain.

Question 3

Is spine surgery always necessary for back pain?

Accepted Answer

No. Surgery is recommended only when conservative treatments such as medicines and physiotherapy fail after several weeks, when there is progressive nerve damage or weakness, severe pain affecting daily activities, or emergency conditions such as loss of bladder or bowel control.

Question 4

How can I book an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Appointments can be booked through WhatsApp, by calling +91 9439971946, or by visiting CARE Hospital, Bhubaneswar. Same-day appointments may be available for emergency cases.

Question 5

What are the signs of a stroke?

Accepted Answer

Remember FAST: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty and Time to seek immediate medical attention. Early treatment is critical and can save lives.

Question 6

What conditions does a neurosurgeon treat?

Accepted Answer

A neurosurgeon treats brain tumors, spinal disorders, stroke and cerebrovascular diseases, head and spine trauma, nerve compression syndromes, pediatric neurosurgical conditions, epilepsy and movement disorders.

Question 7

What are the benefits of endoscopic spine surgery?

Accepted Answer

Endoscopic spine surgery uses very small incisions and advanced visualization technology. It offers less tissue damage, reduced pain, quicker recovery, minimal blood loss and shorter hospital stays.

Question 8

When should I consult a neurosurgeon?

Accepted Answer

You should consult a neurosurgeon if you have persistent headaches, seizures, weakness, numbness, severe neck or back pain, sciatica, memory problems, stroke symptoms, nerve compression or suspected brain and spine disorders.

Question 9

What is the recovery time after minimally invasive spine surgery?

Accepted Answer

Recovery is generally faster than traditional open surgery. Many patients can walk within a day and return to normal activities within a few weeks, depending on the condition and procedure performed.

Question 10

Can back pain be treated without surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many cases of back pain improve with medication, physiotherapy, lifestyle modifications, nerve blocks and other non-surgical treatments. Surgery is considered only when these options are unsuccessful or neurological problems develop.

Question 11

What is a slipped disc?

Accepted Answer

A slipped disc, also known as a herniated or prolapsed disc, occurs when the soft inner part of a spinal disc protrudes through its outer layer and compresses nearby nerves, causing back pain, leg pain (sciatica), numbness, or weakness.

Question 12

Do all slipped discs require surgery?

Accepted Answer

No. More than 80–90% of slipped discs improve with medications, physiotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and time. Surgery is usually considered only when symptoms persist or neurological deficits develop.

Question 13

What are the symptoms of lumbar canal stenosis?

Accepted Answer

Common symptoms include lower back pain, leg pain while walking, numbness, tingling, heaviness in the legs, and difficulty walking long distances.

Question 14

What is sciatica?

Accepted Answer

Sciatica is pain radiating from the lower back into the buttock, thigh, leg, or foot due to irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve.

Question 15

What is endoscopic spine surgery?

Accepted Answer

Endoscopic spine surgery is a minimally invasive procedure performed through small incisions using a high-definition camera and specialized instruments to treat spinal disorders.

Question 16

What is UBE Spine Surgery?

Accepted Answer

UBE (Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic) Spine Surgery is an advanced endoscopic technique using two small portals, one for visualization and one for surgical instruments, allowing precise decompression and versatile spine surgery.

Question 17

What conditions can be treated with UBE Spine Surgery?

Accepted Answer

UBE can treat slipped discs, lumbar canal stenosis, cervical stenosis, foraminal stenosis, recurrent disc prolapse, spinal infections, and selected fusion procedures.

Question 18

Is endoscopic spine surgery painful?

Accepted Answer

Most patients experience significantly less postoperative pain compared to conventional open spine surgery due to minimal muscle damage.

Question 19

How long does recovery take after endoscopic spine surgery?

Accepted Answer

Many patients start walking within hours after surgery and return to routine activities much faster than with traditional open surgery.

Question 20

What is the success rate of endoscopic spine surgery?

Accepted Answer

Success rates are generally high when patients are appropriately selected and surgery is performed by experienced spine surgeons.

Question 21

Is laser spine surgery better than endoscopic spine surgery?

Accepted Answer

Modern endoscopic spine surgery offers direct visualization and precise decompression. The best treatment depends on the specific spinal condition and surgeon expertise.

Question 22

What are the advantages of minimally invasive spine surgery?

Accepted Answer

Advantages include smaller incisions, less blood loss, reduced muscle injury, less postoperative pain, faster recovery, shorter hospital stay, and earlier return to work.

Question 23

What is cervical disc replacement?

Accepted Answer

Cervical disc replacement is a motion-preserving surgery where a damaged cervical disc is replaced with an artificial disc while maintaining neck movement.

Question 24

Is cervical disc replacement better than fusion?

Accepted Answer

In selected patients, cervical disc replacement preserves motion and may reduce stress on adjacent spinal levels. However, not every patient is a suitable candidate.

Question 25

When is spine surgery necessary?

Accepted Answer

Spine surgery may be recommended for severe nerve compression, progressive weakness, spinal instability, persistent pain despite conservative treatment, or spinal cord compression.

Question 26

What is spinal cord compression?

Accepted Answer

Spinal cord compression occurs when pressure is exerted on the spinal cord, potentially causing weakness, balance problems, numbness, or bladder and bowel dysfunction.

Question 27

What is cervical myelopathy?

Accepted Answer

Cervical myelopathy is spinal cord dysfunction caused by cervical spinal cord compression, often leading to gait disturbances, hand clumsiness, and weakness.

Question 28

Can spine surgery cure leg pain?

Accepted Answer

If leg pain is caused by nerve compression, decompression surgery can significantly improve or relieve symptoms in appropriately selected patients.

Question 29

What is spinal fusion surgery?

Accepted Answer

Spinal fusion is a procedure that permanently joins two or more vertebrae to provide stability and relieve pain caused by instability or degeneration.

Question 30

What is endoscopic fusion surgery?

Accepted Answer

Endoscopic fusion combines minimally invasive endoscopic techniques with spinal stabilization procedures to minimize tissue disruption.

Question 31

How long is the hospital stay after spine surgery?

Accepted Answer

Hospital stay varies depending on the procedure but is often shorter with minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques.

Question 32

Can elderly patients undergo spine surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many elderly patients successfully undergo minimally invasive and endoscopic spine procedures when appropriately evaluated.

Question 33

What causes back pain?

Accepted Answer

Back pain may result from muscle strain, disc degeneration, slipped discs, spinal stenosis, arthritis, fractures, infections, or tumors.

Question 34

Can physiotherapy prevent spine surgery?

Accepted Answer

Many patients improve with physiotherapy and conservative treatment, reducing the need for surgery.

Question 35

What are red flag symptoms that require urgent spine evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Severe weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, progressive numbness, inability to walk, spinal trauma, or signs of spinal cord compression require immediate medical attention.

Question 36

What is the fourth generation of spine endoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy (UBE) is often described as one of the most advanced and versatile modern endoscopic spine surgery techniques.

Question 37

Can endoscopic spine surgery be performed for recurrent slipped discs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many recurrent disc prolapses can be treated using advanced endoscopic spine surgery techniques.

Question 38

Is spine surgery safe?

Accepted Answer

Modern spine surgery is generally safe when performed by experienced surgeons with appropriate patient selection and perioperative care.

Question 39

What is the best treatment for lumbar canal stenosis?

Accepted Answer

Treatment depends on symptom severity and may include medications, physiotherapy, injections, endoscopic decompression, or surgical decompression.

Question 40

How can I maintain a healthy spine?

Accepted Answer

Maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, strengthen core muscles, practice proper posture, avoid smoking, and use correct lifting techniques.

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