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What Are Brain and Spine Injuries?

Brain and spine injuries can have a variety of effects on individuals, including altered behaviour, personality, physical and cognitive abilities, and sensory perception, in addition to increased mental and physical exhaustion. Paraplegia or quadriplegia can be the outcome of a severe spinal cord injury.

What are the Common Symptoms of Brain and Spine Injuries?

The following symptoms may result from spinal cord injuries:

  • Loss of mobility
  • Shift in the senses of touch, heat, and cold
  • Loss of control over the bladder or bowels
  • Excessive spasms or reflex actions
  • Alterations in fertility, sexual sensitivity, and sexual function
  • Damage to the spinal cord's nerve fibres can result in pain or a sharp stinging sensation
  • Difficulty coughing, breathing, or removing secretions from the lungs.

Causes, Risk Factors and Complications of Brain and Spine Injuries

Causes

  • Road traffic accidents (RTA)
  • Falls
  • Sports injuries
  • Violence (assault, gunshot, stab wounds)
  • Industrial/workplace accidents
  • Birth trauma
  • Explosions/blasts

Risk Factors

  • Risky behaviours (speeding, not wearing helmets/seatbelts)
  • Contact sports
  • Age (young adults, elderly)
  • Alcohol or drug use
  • Occupation (construction, military, heavy machinery)
  • Pre-existing medical conditions (osteoporosis, seizures)

Complications

  • Paralysis
  • Memory loss
  • Speech and language problems
  • Chronic pain
  • Seizures
  • Cognitive impairments
  • Loss of sensation
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Infections (pneumonia, meningitis)
  • Psychological issues (depression, anxiety)

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Latest Research and Technologies in Treating Brain and Spine Injuries in the United Arab Emirates


Such changes undoubtedly have made the UAE advance in treating brain and spine injuries with state-of-the-art technologies and multidisciplinary medical expertise. Robotic surgeries with neuronavigation and intraoperative imaging have ensured greater precision in brain and spine surgeries. Patient-matched implants designed by 3D printing are changing complex reconstructive surgery, while clinical trials are exploring regenerative medicine and stem cell therapies for spinal cord repair. AI-supported diagnostics and tele-neurology bring timely and precise diagnosis to patients in remote areas and emergencies. Rehabilitation programs in the UAE are well equipped with advanced technologies such as exoskeleton-assisted therapies and neuroplasticity-based programs.

Spine Injury Prevention Tips

  • Exercise for the back: For long-term effectiveness in managing and reducing spine pain, motivated individuals frequently stick to a consistent routine of focused stretching and strengthening exercises
  • Keep your weight in check: Being overweight might put the spine under unnecessary physical strain. Additionally, being overweight can frequently lead to other illnesses or physical disorders that could worsen pre-existing conditions or further damage the spine.
  • Avoid Smoking: Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, narrowing blood vessels, decreasing blood flow and restricting the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach the spine.
  • Cut back on or avoid foods that cause inflammation: Avoid red meat, dairy products that cause inflammation, refined sugar, and other processed foods. Instead, choose wholesome anti-inflammatory foods, such as plant-based foods, which are naturally low in calories and can help prevent excessive weight gain.
  • Exercise caution when lifting big objects: The spine is severely strained when bending to lift a heavy object. When lifting, use proper form by keeping your back straight, bending your knees, and using your legs' strength to finish the move.
  • Continue to move: Long periods spent in one position can tax the spine. To maintain your back supple and limber, walk, move around, and sometimes stretch or exercise.

Treatment options for Brain and Spine Injuries

Spinal Fusion Surgery: Spinal fusion is the treatment option for brain and spinal cord injury. Surgery to join two or more vertebrae in your spine is called spinal fusion. Our body is held upright by the interlocking column of these ring-shaped bones. Combining them can strengthen the structure of our back. A variety of surgeon types perform spinal fusion surgery. Depending on the patient's particular demands and the underlying problem, both neurosurgeons and orthopaedic surgeons can do this. Alternative therapies are sometimes safer or more successful than surgery. However, spinal fusion might be the best option for specific individuals.


Cost Start From USD 6000 - USD 17500Explore Options

Imaging Studies

  • X-rays: X-rays can reveal damage to the bone surrounding the spinal cord, known as the vertebrae. They can also find tumours, fractures or changes in the spine.
  • CT scan: A CT scan can produce a crisper image compared to an X-ray. Computers are used in this scan to create several cross-sectional pictures that can identify disk, bone, and other alterations.
  • MRI: MRI creates computer-generated pictures using radio waves and a powerful magnetic field. This test helps examine the spinal cord to search for masses that could compress it, such as blood clots or herniated disks.

MediRehab (a chain of Rehab centres, part of MediGence) provides comprehensive rehabilitation services to support patients through Teleconsulations and online therapy sessions.

  • Physical therapists, occupational therapists, rehabilitation nurses, rehabilitation psychologists, social workers, physiatrists (physicians specialising in physical medicine and rehabilitation) or specialists in spinal cord injuries may be on your rehabilitation team, and you may also work with a dietitian and a recreation therapist.
  • During the early phases of rehabilitation, therapists work on preserving and strengthening muscle function, redeveloping fine motor skills, and teaching you how to adapt to perform daily tasks.
  • You're taught many new abilities, frequently utilising equipment and technologies to help you live independently as much as possible. You can learn to enjoy your favourite pastimes, participate in social and fitness activities, and return to school or employment.

Some of the side effects of spinal cord injury can be controlled with medication. These include pain and muscular spasticity medications. Additionally, medications can enhance sexual performance, bowel control, and bladder control.

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Hospitals for Brain and Spine Injuries in United Arab Emirates

Zulekha Hospital Sharjah: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Zulekha Hospital Sharjah

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Zulekha Hospital Sharjah located in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates is accredited by ISO, JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • Zulekha Hospital Sharjah is present over a 290,000 square feet area.
  • The hospital stands today with a bed capacity of 185.
  • The hospital also has a Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and radiology as well as laboratory services.
  • There is an ICU and Neonatal ICUs.
  • There are facilities for Dialysis and advanced technological applications such as Minimal Invasive surgeries.
  • In Zulekha Hospital Sharjah Bariatric procedures, Joint Replacement, Specialised Cancer Care, Cardio Thoracic and Vascular Procedure, Plastic and Reconstructive Procedure are performed.
  • It also specialises in Pediatric Cardiology, Pulmonology and Chest Diseases, etc.
  • Teleconsultation services as well as an international patient care center with related assistance for medical travelers are functioning in Zulekha Sharjah.
Prime Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Prime Hospital

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Prime Hospital located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates is accredited by ISO, JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • Capacity for 100 beds
  • 24-hour Emergency Service
  • Advanced Cardiac Cath Lab
  • Adult Intensive Care Unit
  • Paediatric Intensive Care Unit
  • Coronary Care Unit
  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
  • Maternity & Child floor
  • Day Surgery Unit
  • Family Clinic
  • Deluxe rooms and Spacious Lounge
Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery Dubai: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery Dubai located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • 209 patient beds
  • 14-bed capacity of Intensive Care Unit
  • 64 Slice CT
  • Neuro-navigation Surgical Systems
  • High-End MRI, 3.0 Tesla MRI
  • Laminar airflow systems
  • Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery (BHAS) has as many as three operation rooms.
  • Cutting edge non surgical as well as minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques are used.
  • Customised treatment plans are used for the benefit of patients.
  • Focus is on keeping the treatment process minimalist and only what is absolutely necessary and advanced procedures are done case to case basis.
  • The patients natural joints are preserved to the extent possible and these include ligaments, cartilage and bones.
  • The hospital helps with insurance for patients and complete support is provided for international patients.
  • Online appointments are available and there is a 24/7 helpline.

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Why Choose the United Arab Emirates for Brain and Spine Injuries Treatment?

Here are some of the reasons for choosing the United Arab Emirates:

  • Advanced Treatment Facilities: Arab hospitals are implementing new treatment modalities such as plasma exchange and stem cells.
  • Expert Neurology Specialists: The United Arab Emirates houses some excellent pediatric neurologists and rehabilitation specialists who manage hydrocephalus.
  • Affordable Medical Care: Treatment costs in the United Arab Emirates are lower than those in Western countries, making quality care affordable.
  • Comprehensive Rehabilitation Programs: The hospitals offer specialised neurorehabilitation, including robotic-assisted and physical therapy.
  • Strong Medical Travel Environment: This assists with visa arrangements, accommodation, and multilingual medical services for international patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no treatment for Brain and Spine Injuries. However, depending on which part of the spinal cord has been injured, the symptoms can be lessened or controlled to a certain extent. In some instances, spinal cord fusion surgery helps.

Such advanced techniques, like nerve grafting or biomaterial implants, are accessible for various.

JCI accredits most hospitals, which indicates international standards have been ensured in neurosurgery.

Yes, a special pediatric neurosurgery department handles such complex cases.

Yes, foreign patients can get a second opinion from some of the best neurosurgeons, either online or in person.

You should look for symptoms such as loss of consciousness, a severe headache, confusion, nausea or vomiting, difficulty walking or talking, weakness or numbness in limbs, unusual drowsiness, changes in vision or hearing, neck or back pain, difficulty controlling bladder or bowel movements, clear fluid leaking from the ears or nose, and any abnormal behaviour or responses following a head injury.

The following are examples of long-term effects:

  • Circulatory problems: Changes in circulation can result in unstable blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms and blood clots that may appear days after injury.
  • Breathing problems: About one-third of people with SCI will require temporary or permanent help with breathing and may require a breathing tube; any injury to the spinal cord between the C1-C4 segments can stop breathing because the nerves in this region cause the diaphragm to move and the lungs to expand; pneumonia. The injured person will need careful monitoring for these common issues after an SCI.
  • Muscular tone changes and stiffness: Over time, excessive reflexes might result in muscle stiffness and an increase in tone that may call for special care.
  • Autonomic dysfunction: Autonomic dysreflexia is a potentially fatal reflex activity that mainly affects those who have had upper back or neck injuries. Flushing or perspiration, a throbbing headache, anxiousness, a sharp rise in blood pressure, changes in eyesight, or goose bumps on the arms and legs are some of the symptoms. If feasible, the person should remain seated to maintain blood flow to the legs and feet, which lowers blood pressure.
  • Pressure ulcers: They are another name for pressure sores. Areas of skin that have degenerated due to constant pressure and decreased blood flow are known as pressure sores.
  • Pain: Neurogenic pain is a severe burning or stinging feeling that some people with SCI experience. It could be ongoing or intermittent. A variety of factors can bring it on, and some people may even experience pain in areas of their bodies where they would not usually feel it. Chronic pain can be treated with medications, brain or spine electrical stimulation, and surgery. However, none of these therapies can fully alleviate neurogenic pain in the long run.
  • Intestinal and bladder issues: To empty their bladder, people would need to utilise a catheter and learn new techniques to empty their bowels.
  • Sexual activity: A person's sexual function and fertility may be impacted by the extent and location of their injury, as well as how well they recover from it.
    Depression. Due to changes in lifestyle following the injury, depression can strike many people with SCI.

Follow a thorough rehabilitation plan with your son's medical team, which may include occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation, depending on his individual needs.

  • Environment of Support: Maintaining a routine with predictable meals, activities, and sleep times will help your son feel safe.
  • Communication: Give visual clues, speak simply and clearly, and be understanding when there are communication difficulties.
  • Emotional Support: Encourage candid dialogue, validate his emotions, and provide emotional support.
  • For already diagnosed paraplegic patients, one has to prioritise preventing bed sores by changing the parent's position frequently, keeping them clean, helping them with everyday tasks like eating, dressing, and using the restroom, making sure the catheter is correctly cared for if necessary, making the home accessible, promoting wheelchair mobility, and offering emotional support while keeping a close eye on their health and seeking medical help when needed.

The body lying in an awkward, unnatural position is one of the signs and symptoms of spinal injury. Skin that feels chilly and clammy. Reporting a lack of sensation, including pain or strange limb tingling.