Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Sciatic Treatment and Causes

Sciatic pain is caused by general compression or irritation of one of the sciatic nerve roots. The symptoms often include lower back pain, buttock pain, and pain and numbness in various parts of the leg and foot. Symptoms typically effect only one side of the body. Spinal disc herniation which presses on one of the lumbar or sacral nerve roots counts for 90% of sciatica pain cases. Other compressive spinal causes include lumbar spinal stenosis, where the spinal canal narrows and compresses the spinal cord. The narrowing can also be cause by herniation or inflammation, which decreases available space for the spinal cord and irritating nerves from the spinal cord that connect to the sciatic nerves. Pregnancy may also cause sciatic nerve damage due to the weight of the fetus pressing on the nerves. Most cases do not harm the fetus or the mother, indirect harm may come from a numbing effect in the legs.
Sciatic treatment in NJ varies on a case by case basis. Medications are commonly prescribed, but are often a temporary solution. Surgery for unilateral sciatica involves the surgical removal of part of the disc. Long term care appears to be equivalent to conservative care. Epidurals show quality evidence to suggest short-term pain reduction with epidural steroid injections.
If you are in need of sciatic treatment in NJ, contact North Jersey Brain and Spine Center today. We are the largest neurosurgical group practice in Bergen County NJ. Our neurosurgeons are board certified and specialized in spine, neuro-oncology, skull related surgery, endovascular, and functional neurosurgery.

North Jersey Brain and Spine Center
Hackensack Office
20 Prospect Avenue Suite 907
Hackensack, NJ 07601
(201) 342-2550

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Spine Specialists in NJ

If you are suffering from back pain, you may need spinal surgery to help alleviate said pain. The North Jersey Brain and Spine Center is a physical therapy and rehabilitation facility that is staffed with spine specialists in NJ that have access to four local area hospitals if surgery is necessary.

Many times, we can perform minimally invasive surgery done with lasers as opposed to knives. This is beneficial to patients in many ways. There is less risk of infection. It is less painful and generally takes less time for recovery. It is also less scarring than traditional surgery.

North Jersey Brain and Spine Center’s specialist work to ease a large number of movement disorders, including:

  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Essential tremors
  • Dystonia
  • Spasticity

We use all of the most up-to-date equipment and methods and are the only facility in New Jersey to utilize the ClearPoint system for deep brain stimulation technology (DBS). This allows for a quicker surgery and quicker recovery.

If you would like more information on any of the treatments that our spine specialists in NJ perform, contact North Jersey Brain and Spine Center to schedule an appointment.

North Jersey Brain and Spine Center
680 Kinderkamack Road
Suite 300 (3rd floor)
Oradell, NJ 07649
(201) 342-2550

Arteriovenous Malformation

Arteriovenous malformations are lesions that appear on arteries or veins. It can cause blood to flow through these systems without going through the heart or other intermediaries. This can cause serious problems, but it is possible to go through life without ever discovering the condition.. Most people with arteriovenous malformations have had them since birth, but they can also develop later in life.

The North Jersey Brain and Spine Center is a physical therapy and rehabilitation facility that can help to treat patients with arteriovenous malformations and other types of brain and spinal disorders.

Arteriovenous malformation are usually harmless until they rupture. If one ruptures, it is necessary to stop the bleeding and seal the rupture. Our neurosurgeons have access to four local area hospitals and can perform emergency same day surgeries.

Treatment for arteriovenous malformations depends on whether or not it has ruptured, but generally requires a craniotomy inside the skull to locate abnormal veins and arteries.

If you are suffering from an arteriovenous malformation, contact North Jersey Brain and Spine Center.

North Jersey Brain and Spine Center
680 Kinderkamack Road
Suite 300 (3rd floor)
Oradell, NJ 07649
(201) 342-2550

Glioblastoma Multiforme Specialists in NJ

Glioblastomas are one of the most common types of brain tumors. They form out of glials, the most common type of brain cells, and have different levels of malignance. Glioblastoma multiforme is the most malignant level. Since glioblastoma multiforme has no specific symptoms and also appear similar to other types of brain ailments, it can sometimes be difficult to diagnose without taking sample tissue.

North Jersey Brain and Spine Center is a physical therapy and rehabilitation facility that has glioblastoma multiforme specialists who can help to diagnose and treat glioblastoma multiforme and other types of brain or movement disorders.

Glioblastoma multiforme can have a wide range of symptoms. Some of which include:

  • Sudden seizures
  • Chronic headaches
  • Nausea
  • Memory loss
  • Personality changes

Due to risk of brain damage and the rapid growth of glioblastoma multiforme, treatment is difficult and is usually performed in stages. Surgery is performed to remove the main part of the tumor to reduce symptoms. Afterwards, radiation is used to reduce more cells and reduce chances of remission.

If you would like more information on our glioblastoma multiforme specialists, contact North Jersey Brain and Spine Center to schedule an appointment.

North Jersey Brain and Spine Center
680 Kinderkamack Road
Suite 300 (3rd floor)
Oradell, NJ 07649
(201) 342-2550

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Deep Brain Stimulation

Recently Dr. Hooman Azmi and Dr. Fiona Gupta spoke about Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) at the MRI Interventions Reception which was held at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco. The doctors are experts in the field of brain and movement disorders. DBS is a surgical treatment that involves the implantation of a device called a brain pacemaker, which sends electrical impulses to specific areas of the brain. This treatment has been especially successful in treating movement affective disorders such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia and chronic pain.
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease with primary symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia and postural instability. While DBS does not cure Parkinson's disease it has proved to help manage symptoms and subsequently improve the patient's quality of life. Some patients affected by Parkinson's disease have symptoms that can not be adequately controlled by medications. By sending high frequency electrical impulses to specific areas of the brain it directly diminishes the side-effects that some Parkinson's medications induce.
About three weeks after the surgery the brain pacemaker is turned on and will take affect. Once a month the stimulator is adjusted and within 4-6 weeks the settings will stabilize. DBS does not damage any part of the brain so it is possible to have it removed if a treatment in the future is found to be better or there is a cure. The purpose of DBS is to restore patient's quality of life, not limit them from activities. It is possible to be active again and play sports after undergoing DBS surgery.


Below is an interview with Dr. Fiona Gupta:


North Jersey Brain and Spine Center
680 Kinderkamack Road
Suite 300 (3rd floor)
Oradell, NJ 07649
(201) 342-2550 

Friday, December 13, 2013

Cerebral Aneurysm Specialists

 cerebral aneurysm specialists
Brain aneurysms occurs when blood vessels clot in and in most cases eventually rupture. It is not known why this happens, but the effects can be fatal. Other symptoms include severe headaches, vomiting, fainting, seizures, lethargy, paralysis and comas. However, it is possible for an aneurysm to occur and not show symptoms. It is also possible for an aneurysm to occur and not rupture. In any case, an aneurysm is extremely dangerous.

North Jersey Brain and Spine Center is a physical therapy and rehabilitation facility that is staffed with experienced neurosurgeons and cerebral aneurysm specialists that can diagnose and treat a wide variety of brian and movement disorders.

If a brain aneurysm has ruptured, it is important to get treated immediately. If it has not yet rupture, there is less of an emergency and the aneurysm will be watched to see if it grows in size. If it gets worse, action will be taken. Treatment for both ruptured and unruptured aneurysms usually involves either endovascular coiling or surgical clipping.

If you would like more information on cerebral aneurysm specialists, contact the North Jersey Brain and Spine Center to schedule an appointment.

North Jersey Brain and Spine Center
680 Kinderkamack Road
Suite 300 (3rd floor)
Oradell, NJ 07649
(201) 342-2550

Herniated Disc Discectomy

 discectomy surgery
Herniated discs are the common cause of many types of neck, shoulder, and arm pain. The separate discs that make the vertebrae become herniated when the the outer band (annulus fibrosus) ruptures and leaks. The common treatment for this is cervical herniated disc discectomy. This is the removal of the herniated discs and the joining of the vertebrae through spinal fusion or bone grafts.

North Jersey Brain and Spine Center is a physical therapy and rehabilitation center located right in the center of Bergen County. Our professional neurosurgeons can perform surgeries at four of the local hospitals. These are some of the symptoms that may occur from a herniated disc:


  • Mild or severe neck pain or pain between shoulder blades
  • Intense pain during movement
  • Radiating pain (radiculopathy) through the arms, hands, or fingers
  • Numbness or tingling in the arm or shoulder


Patients can usually get out of bed on the same day of surgery, and movement will gradually increase daily. Patients are usually discharged within two days. If you would like more information on herniated disc discectomy, contact North Jersey Brain and Spine Center.

North Jersey Brain and Spine Center
680 Kinderkamack Road
Suite 300 (3rd floor)
Oradell, NJ 07649
(201) 342-2550

Chiari Malformation Surgery

 chiari malformation surgery
Chiari malformation is a distension of the cerebellar tonsils. This is a small section of the the cerebellum that is responsible for motor functions and emotions. This is a fairly uncommon disorder that has a wide range of mild and severe symptoms. It can be diagnosed through the use of an MRI and is most commonly treated by chiari malformation surgery.

North Jersey Brain and Spine Center is a physical therapy and rehabilitation center that can help to diagnose and treat chiari malformations. We have experienced neurosurgeons with access to four local hospitals and can even perform same day surgeries.

As mentioned earlier, chiari malformations can cause a variety of symptoms. Here are some symptoms that you may experience:

  • Mild headaches
  • Tinnitus
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Facial pain
  • Fatigue
  • Intracranial pressure
  • Sleep apnea
  • Spinal paralysis

Severe cases can be very damaging and can even cause paralysis. Surgery usually involves removal of bones to create a pathway for cerebral spinal fluid. This relieves pressure, preventing the condition from worsening.

If you would like more information on chiari malformation surgery, contact North Jersey Brain and Spine Center to schedule an appointment.

North Jersey Brain and Spine Center
680 Kinderkamack Road
Suite 300 (3rd floor)
Oradell, NJ 07649
(201) 342-2550

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Neck Pain

 neck pain
Many people suffer from neck pain every day. This can be a wide range of things that ranges anywhere from mild irritation to very painful and debilitating. Neck pain or cervicalgia can be caused by stress, cancer, many other things, although it is most commonly caused by a herniated disc. If you are suffering from neck pain, it is important to be seen by a specialist so that they can determine the severity and the cause of it.

North Jersey Brain and Spine had highly experienced doctors that are here to diagnose and treat any type of neck pain. Our staff uses all of the latest methods and technology to help you heal as soon as possible. Our spacious physical therapy and rehabilitation facility is located right in the center of Bergen County.

In most cases, neck pain is treated with medicine and physical therapy as opposed to surgery. Conservative treatments allow the body to heal naturally by employing anti-inflammatories and painkillers.

If you are suffering from any type of neck pain, contact North Jersey Brain and Spine Center to schedule an appointment.

North Jersey Brain and Spine Center
680 Kinderkamack Road
Suite 300 (3rd floor)
Oradell, NJ 07649
(201) 342-2550

Pituitary Tumors

 pituitary tumors
If you have tumors on the pituitary gland, it can likely create an imbalance of hormones in your body. This can cause many different symptoms, including depression, emotional instability, extreme weight gain, fatigue, and depression. Pituitary tumors are often benign and are generally fairly easily diagnosed.

North Jersey Brain and Spine Center is a physical therapy and rehabilitation center located right in the middle of Bergen County. We treat patients with pituitary tumors or any other type of brain or movement disorder which they may be suffering form.

Several different types of treatments are used for pituitary tumors. Prolactinomas are common form and are treated with drugs that help to alleviate symptoms. This can even decrease the tumor’s size. If the tumor is too large for drugs to affect it, surgery or radiation is often applied.  Pituitary tumors are rarely life threatening and these treatments are very commonly successful. There is a high chance of remission.

If you are suffering from pituitary tumors, contact North Jersey Brain and Spine Center to schedule an appointment.

North Jersey Brain and Spine Center
680 Kinderkamack Road
Suite 300 (3rd floor)
Oradell, NJ 07649
(201) 342-2550

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Parkinson’s Disease

Researchers at Rutgers University have recently discovered a link between fungus and Parkinson's disease. In the past, Parkinson’s has been linked to toxins, but they were all manufactured. This is the first time that they have found a connection to a natural chemical. The fungus produces a compound that is known as mushroom alcohol.

North Jersey Brain and Spine Center is a physical therapy and rehabilitation facility that helps treat patients with Parkinson’s disease. Our physicians offer a comprehensive approach to treatments. We have all of the latest equipment that allows us to diagnose and help to treat any movement disorders, including:


  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Essential tremor
  • Dystonia
  • Spasticity


North Jersey Brain and Spine Center is one of the only group of neurosurgeons in the country to use deep brain stimulation technology. This is a minimally invasive surgery that is guided by an MRI. This uses lasers so that we do not have to make big incisions and also allows patients to go under anesthesia.

If you are suffering from Parkinson’s disease, contact North Jersey Brain and Spine Center to schedule an appointment.

North Jersey Brain and Spine Center
680 Kinderkamack Road
Suite 300 (3rd floor)
Oradell, NJ 07649
201-342-2550

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Back Pain

 back pain
Back pain is one of the most common types of injuries that people can get. This is because the lower back endures a lot of stress and there are also a wide range of afflictions that can occur. Even though pain can be very excruciating and severe, oftentimes it is merely a back strain or sprain. These can be easily treated without the need of surgery.

North Jersey Brain and Spine Center is a physical therapy and rehabilitation facility with highly experienced physicians and neurosurgeons who can help to correctly diagnose your back pain and begin treatment for recovery. We have all of the latest equipment to help reduce muscle spasms and inflammation while increasing circulation. Some of these treatments include ultrasound, massage, heat packs, ice packs and electrical stimulation.

Back injuries can occur when after excessive bending or heavy strain of the back caused by lifting. Therapeutic exercises will help to strengthen and heal. If you are experiencing back pain, contact North Jersey Brain and Spine Center to schedule an appointment.

North Jersey Brain and Spine Center
680 Kinderkamack Road
Suite 300 (3rd floor)
Oradell, NJ 07649
201-342-2550

Astrocytoma

An astrocytoma is one of the most common types of brain tumors. They originate in brain cells called astrocytes and can range from benign to malignant. It is important to deal with them while they are still benign. At this point, they can be dealt with using minimally invasive surgery.

Because patients may experience a wide variety of symptoms, astrocytomas may be difficult to diagnose. Symptoms can include anything from balance impairment, chronic headaches, nausea, weight changes, personality changes, and even seizures.

Treatment for astrocytomas generally requires radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery. The lower grades of astrocytomas have a higher chance of complete remission.

North Jersey Brain and Spine Center is a physical therapy and rehabilitation facility located in the center of Bergen County. We use the latest technology and methods for all of of treatments. Our highly experienced neurosurgeon can perform same day surgeries and have access to four local hospitals, including:


  • Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack
  • Valley Hospital, Ridgewood
  • Englewood Hospital, Englewood
  • Holy Name Hospital, Teaneck


If you are suffering from astrocytomas, North Bergen Brain and Spine Center can help to treat you. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

North Jersey Brain & Spine
680 Kinderkamack Road
Suite 300 (3rd floor)
Oradell, NJ 07649
201-342-2550

Endonasal Endoscopic Surgery

If you are suffering from a brain or movement disorder, North Jersey Brain and Spine Center is a physical therapy and rehabilitation facility that can help to treat these conditions. We have many physicians that can diagnose your problem. If something is wrong inside your brain, endonasal endoscopic surgery is an option.

This is a minimally invasive type of surgery where we insert a tiny microscope up through the nose in order to see if the brain has any tumors or lesions on it. This way, we do not have to cut through the skull to see what is inside your head. This technique can also be used to discover conditions affecting the nose, ears, throat, mouth, and spine.

North Jersey Brain and Spine Center’s neurosurgeons have access to four local area hospitals when surgeries are necessary. We will even perform same day surgeries in cases of emergency.

We are located right in the center of Bergen County and use all of the latest technology and methods to help treat our patients through these difficult afflictions. If you would like more information on endonasal endoscopic surgery, contact North Jersey Brain and Spine Center to schedule an appointment.

North Jersey Brain & Spine
680 Kinderkamack Road
Suite 300 (3rd floor)
Oradell, NJ 07649
201-342-2550

Arteriovenous Malformation

An arteriovenous malformation is a lesion on veins or arteries that cause blood to flow directly between two systems without going through an intermediary such as the heart. It is generally only harmful when it prevents blood from flowing to an important organ like the brain. They may be present at birth and only become a problem when they rupture. Some people may have them their entire lives and never find out.

North Jersey Brain and Spine Center is a physical therapy and rehabilitation facility that has highly trained neurosurgeons that can diagnose these arteriovenous malformation or any other affliction that you may have. This can be found by performing a CT scan or MRI. This will determine the size as well as the extent of the damage.

Some patients do not experience any symptoms at all. Others may get headaches, seizures, nausea, or loss of consciousness. Treatment involves stopping the bleeding and sealing the rupture through surgery. Our neurosurgeons have privileges at four local hospitals and can perform same day surgeries if necessary.

If you would like more information on arteriovenous malformation, contact North Jersey Brain and Spine Center to schedule an appointment.

North Jersey Brain & Spine
680 Kinderkamack Road
Suite 300 (3rd floor)
Oradell, NJ 07649
201-342-2550

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Physical Therapy Specialist NJ

Suffering from a spinal injury or movement disorder can be a very difficult and painful experience. That is why North Jersey Brain and Spine Center has highly trained and experienced physical therapy specialists in NJ to help you get through it.

Our physical therapists will work with the patients to design rehabilitation plan that fits the specific needs of the patient. Recovering after a surgery can be a difficult process, and we strive to helping the patient resume their normal life.

North Jersey Brain and Spine Center is a spacious physical therapy and rehabilitation facility with ample parking located right in the center of Bergen County. Our physical therapists are McKenzie certified. This allows them to be more hands on with their patients.

We have a wide variety of equipment and use all of the latest technology and methods in order to help our patients to recovery. Patients will always work with the same therapist to ensure that they are familiar with the patients’ needs.

If you would like more information on our NJ physical therapists, contact North Jersey Brain and Spine Center to schedule an appointment.

North Jersey Brain & Spine
680 Kinderkamack Road
Suite 300 (3rd floor)
Oradell, NJ 07649
201-342-2550

       


       

       


       

Movement Disorder Treatment

Many people are affected every day by a wide variety of movement disorders. For people with foot problems, a simple walk can be an excruciating experience. The ankle is a pivotal part of the foot and scientists at MIT’s Department of Mechanical Engineering are working on an Anklebot robot in order to help with rehabilitation.

The Anklebot  is mounted to a knee brace and special shoe in order to monitor the joints’ strength in movement to different directions. As of now, they are only using the Anklebot on healthy patients. Its eventual purpose is to help strengthen weak ankles.

If you are suffering from any type of movement disorder, North jersey Brain and Spine Center is a physical therapy and rehabilitation center that offers movement disorder treatment. Our fellowship trained physicians use the most current methods and technology to help our patients through these difficult conditions.

Some of the more common types of movement disorders that we treat include Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, dystonia, and spasticity. We use deep brain stimulation surgical techniques and have access to four local hospitals.

If you are suffering from any of these conditions and would like more information on movement disorder treatments, contact North Jersey Brain and Spine Center to schedule an appointment.

North Jersey Brain & Spine
Oradell Office
680 Kinderkamack Road
Suite 300 (3rd floor)
Oradell, NJ 07649
(201) 342-2550

       


       

       


       

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Endovascular Surgery and Interventional Radiology

If you are suffering from any type of vascular condition, North Jersey Brain and Spine Center can help to treat you through endovascular surgery and interventional radiology. This is an umbrella term used to describe any treatment of problems to the vascular system. They are minimally invasive procedures. Since we not not make many incisions, there is very little risk of causing harm to the patient.

North Jersey Brain and Spine Center has highly skilled neurosurgeons that can perform same day surgeries. We have access to four local area hospitals, including:

  • Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack
  • Valley Hospital, Ridgewood
  • Englewood Hospital, Englewood
  • Holy Name Hospital, Teaneck

Endovascular surgery uses catheters to treat the patient by injecting fluids directly into the bloodstream. Along with vascular treatments, it may also be used in treatment of strokes and atherosclerosis.

Interventional radiology uses imaging techniques in order to locate or diagnose any vascular problems that the patient may have. This is also minimally invasive and is used to help treat the patient with ease and comfort.

If you are suffering from any kind of vascular disorder and would like more information on treatments using endovascular surgery and interventional radiology, contact North Jersey Brain and Spine Center to schedule an appointment.

North Jersey Brain and Spine Center
680 Kinderkamack Road
Suite 300 (3rd floor)
Oradell, NJ 07649
(201) 342-2550

Lumbar Spinal Fusion

 lumbar spinal fusion
If you are suffering from deformities in the lumbar or lower spine, North Jersey Brain and Spine Center can help you by performing a lumbar spinal fusion. This is a way to stabilize the spine in cases of curvatures, pressure, or fractures causing destabilization by joining vertebrae together. Lumbar pain is one of the most common types of back pains.

Lumbar spinal fusion is a procedure that involves application of screws, metal plates, bone grafts and replacement discs. This is not a cure but will help to stabilize your spine, allowing it to heal more easily. This is used as an ailment for many spinal problems, including:
  • Disc herniation
  • Kyphosis
  • Scoliosis
  • Bone fractures
North Bergen Brain and Spine Center is a spacious rehabilitation and physical therapy facility that is located in the center of Bergen County. Our staff uses modern techniques as well as state-of-the-art technology to help patients heal. Our neurosurgeons have access to four local hospitals and can perform same-day surgeries. We provide compassionate treatment for any type of movement disorder that you may be suffering from.

If you would like more information on lumbar spinal fusion, contact North Jersey Brain and Spine Center to schedule an appointment.

North Jersey Brain and Spine Center
680 Kinderkamack Road
Suite 300 (3rd floor)
Oradell, NJ 07649
201-342-2550

Dystonia

Dystonia is a movement disorder that can be difficult to diagnose because it has symptoms that are similar to Parkinson’s disease, Tourette’s syndrome and essential tremor. It is characterized by abnormal posturing and muscle movements. North Jersey Brain and Spine Center is a physical therapy and rehabilitation facility that can help to treat patients who suffer from dystonia.

Along with physical therapy, symptoms of Dystonia have a wide range of treatments available. Medications such as muscle relaxants and botox injections can be prescribed. In some cases, surgery can be used to treat dystonia. North Jersey Brain and Spine Center has highly skilled and experienced neurosurgeons that have access to four local hospitals.

North Jersey Brain and Spine is located right in the center of Bergen County. We have a spacious facility with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment. Our examination rooms are spacious and relaxing. Our goal is to offer surgical care to our patients and to educate the community on all of the latest technological advances in neurosurgery.

If you would like more information on dystonia, contact North Jersey Brain and Spine Center to schedule an appointment.

North Jersey Brain and Spine Center
680 Kinderkamack Rd
Suite 300 (3rd floor)
Oradell NJ 07649