About Anterior Spinal Artery Syndrome
Key Highlights
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Urgent surgical intervention aims to halt the progression of spinal cord damage.Focuses on decompressing the spinal cord and restoring critical blood flow.Performed by specialized neurosurgeons or spine surgeons with expertise in vascular and spinal disorders.Goal is to preserve and potentially recover motor function and sensation.May prevent long-term, severe disability if performed promptly after symptom onset.
Who is this surgery for?
- Acute onset of paralysis or severe weakness in both legs (paraplegia) or all limbs (quadriplegia).
- Sudden loss of pain and temperature sensation below a specific spinal level.
- Bowel and bladder incontinence or retention.
- Confirmed diagnosis via MRI showing spinal cord infarction or compression affecting the anterior spinal artery territory.
- Underlying causes such as aortic dissection, aortic surgery complications, severe disc herniation, spinal trauma, or vascular malformations.
How to prepare
- Emergency neurological assessment including MRI or CT angiography to confirm diagnosis and locate the blockage.
- Stabilization of the patient's vital signs and management of any acute pain.
- Administration of medications to potentially protect the spinal cord, such as high-dose steroids, as per protocol.
- Informed consent process explaining the urgent nature, goals, and significant risks of the surgery.
- Pre-operative blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray to assess fitness for emergency anesthesia.
Risks & possible complications
- Failure to restore neurological function or progression of paralysis.
- Infection at the surgical site or within the spinal canal (meningitis).
- Bleeding, hematoma, or further vascular injury.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak.
- Damage to nerve roots or the spinal cord itself during surgery.
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism).
- Anesthesia-related complications.
- Chronic pain or persistent sensory deficits.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in an intensive care or high-dependency unit for close neurological monitoring.
- Aggressive rehabilitation begins early, often within days, including physical and occupational therapy.
- Management of bowel and bladder function, which may require catheterization or other aids.
- Medications for pain management, prevention of blood clots, and muscle spasticity.
- Long-term, multidisciplinary rehabilitation is crucial and may include inpatient and outpatient programs.
- Regular follow-up with the neurosurgeon and neurologist to monitor recovery and manage complications.
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Typical hospital stay: 10-21 days
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Expected recovery time: 6 months to 2+ years (for maximum neurological recovery)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering anterior spinal artery syndrome in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for anterior spinal artery syndrome in India include Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Miot Hospital Chennai, Manipal Hospital Rangapani, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform anterior spinal artery syndrome. MediFyr helps you compare spine surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for anterior spinal artery syndrome compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 350 Thousand – 850 Thousand | 10-21 days | ~ 6 months to 2+ years (for maximum neurological recovery) | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 1.23 Million – 2.98 Million | 10-21 days | ~ 6 months to 2+ years (for maximum neurological recovery) | Know More |
Top hospitals for Anterior Spinal Artery Syndrome in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated spine surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing anterior spinal artery syndrome.
Rahul Khan, a 42-year-old construction foreman...
Rahul Khan, a 42-year-old construction foreman and father of three, was known for his strength and reliability. His life changed one evening when he felt a sudden, sharp pain in his neck while lifting a heavy toolbox. Within hours, he lost all sensation and movement below his chest. Rushed to the emergency room, an MRI confirmed Anterior Spinal Artery Syndrome, a blood clot had blocked the artery supplying the front of his spinal cord. The spine surgeon, Dr. Sharma, explained that while the damage was severe, emergency surgery to decompress the spine and attempt to restore blood flow was his only chance to regain any function. The procedure was long and fraught with anxiety for his family. Post-surgery, Rahul faced a grueling rehabilitation. He regained partial sensation and, with immense effort, some movement in his legs, allowing him to use a wheelchair independently. Emotionally, he journeyed from utter despair and feeling like a burden to his family, to a determined resilience, focusing on what he could still do for his children and finding new purpose in advocating for workplace safety.
Spine surgeons for Anterior Spinal Artery Syndrome
Explore experienced spine surgeons who regularly perform anterior spinal artery syndrome and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 20 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 14 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 8 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur
- 7 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 5 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 25 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 15 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 17 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi
- 19 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon