About Autoimmune Myelopathy
Key Highlights
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Directly addresses spinal cord compression caused by autoimmune inflammation.Aims to halt or slow the progression of neurological deficits like weakness and numbness.Can be a crucial intervention when medical (immunosuppressive) therapy is insufficient.Performed by specialized neurosurgeons or orthopedic spine surgeons with expertise in complex spinal conditions.Part of a multidisciplinary treatment approach involving neurology and rheumatology.
Who is this surgery for?
- Progressive neurological deficits (e.g., worsening weakness, sensory loss, bowel/bladder dysfunction) due to confirmed autoimmune myelopathy.
- Failure of aggressive medical management with corticosteroids, plasma exchange, or immunosuppressants to halt disease progression.
- Evidence of significant spinal cord compression or edema on MRI scans that correlates with clinical symptoms.
- Conditions like Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD), Transverse Myelitis, or other autoimmune disorders affecting the spinal cord.
- Development of spinal instability or deformity secondary to the inflammatory process.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive neurological evaluation and confirmation of autoimmune etiology through blood tests (e.g., AQP4-IgG, MOG-IgG) and MRI of the spine and brain.
- Pre-operative optimization of medical therapy, which may include a course of high-dose steroids or other immunosuppressants.
- Detailed discussion with the surgical team about the goals, risks, and realistic expectations of the procedure.
- Pre-operative tests including blood work, ECG, and chest X-ray to assess fitness for anesthesia.
- Discontinuation of certain medications (like blood thinners) as advised by the doctor, several days before surgery.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Infection, bleeding, blood clots, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Neurological risks: Potential for worsening of pre-existing neurological deficits, new nerve injury, or paralysis.
- Spinal fluid leak or persistent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula.
- Failure to improve symptoms or halt disease progression.
- Spinal instability requiring further fusion surgery.
- Risks associated with the underlying autoimmune condition, such as disease flare-ups.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in the hospital involves close monitoring of neurological function, pain management, and prevention of complications.
- Early mobilization with the help of physical and occupational therapists to regain strength and function.
- Continuation or adjustment of immunosuppressive medications as per the neurologist's/rheumatologist's plan.
- Incision care and monitoring for signs of infection at the surgical site.
- Gradual return to activities under guidance, with a focus on rehabilitation to maximize neurological recovery.
- Long-term follow-up with both the spine surgeon and the neurologist/rheumatologist for ongoing management.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
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Expected recovery time: 3-6 months for initial functional recovery; full neurological recovery can take up to a year or more and may be incomplete.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering autoimmune myelopathy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for autoimmune myelopathy in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Manipal Hospital Rangapani, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, 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 autoimmune myelopathy. 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 autoimmune myelopathy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | USD 3,807 – USD 8,701 | 5-10 days | ~ 3-6 months for initial functional recovery; full neurological recovery can take up to a year or more and may be incomplete. | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 28,184 – USD 64,420 | 5-10 days | ~ 3-6 months for initial functional recovery; full neurological recovery can take up to a year or more and may be incomplete. | Know More |
Top hospitals for Autoimmune Myelopathy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated spine surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing autoimmune myelopathy.
Follow-up visit for my cervical disc...
Follow-up visit for my cervical disc replacement. Dr. Dwivedi remembered my daughter's board exam results and asked about them first. His staff coordinated with insurance for my scans - clinical excellence matched by human touch.
Spine surgeons for Autoimmune Myelopathy
Explore experienced spine surgeons who regularly perform autoimmune myelopathy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 11 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Goa
- 23 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Millers Road
- 18 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
KMC Hospital Mangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Varthur Road
- 8 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake
- 11 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria