Limited Dorsal Spinal Rachischisis

A lady aged 28 presented with low backache for 2 years. The pain radiated to both her legs and had increased in intensity for the past 1 year.

She had a skin dimple over her lower back which had been present since birth.

MRI of the spine revealed a fibrous band attached to the skin of the back which then coursed through the spinal cord and was attached to the cord’s coverings at its front. The spinal cord was tethered and low lying, ending 3 vertebral levels below normal.

A diagnosis of Limited Dorsal Spinal Rachischisis was made.

The dermal sinus was excised and the cord de-tethered by microsurgical technique.

 

 

 


Astrocytoma, WHO Grade II

A man aged 29 years presented with episodes of sensation of abnormal taste followed by a fit 6 months later.

He had slight weakness on one side of his face.

 

 

    

 

The tumor was removed by microsurgical technique and gross total excision was done.

 

 Biopsy reported it as brain tumor known as an Astrocytoma, WHO Grade II

 

Trigeminal Neuralgia

This gentleman aged 48 years presented with episodes of excruciating pain over the right side of his
face for 12 years. The pain was brought on by chewing food or shaving and lasted only a few seconds.

An MRI scan revealed a blood vessel indenting the trigeminal nerve i.e. the nerve concerned with sensations over the face.

The patient was treated by “Micro-vascular decompression” in which the nerve was cleared of the offending vessel and Teflon patches placed between them above and below, to prevent further
irritation of the nerve.

The patient was completely relieved of his pain.

Posterior 3rd Ventricle Tumor

A boy aged six presented with episodes of headache and vomiting for about 1 year.

He was drowsy and could not turn his eyes upwards.

MRI of brain revealed a tumor towards the back of the third ventricle (the water system of the brain) with moderate hydrocephalus (dilatation of the water system of the brain).

The tumor was removed by microsurgical technique from the back of the head.

The size of the ventricles of the brain decreased towards normal after surgery.

The patient too improved after surgery and was ambulatory at discharge from hospital.

Biopsy - Primitive Neuro-Ectodermal Tumor (PNET).

Biopsy- Ganglioglioma

Basi-Frontal Meningioma

A 45 year old gentleman presented with inability to smell for 20 years and recent onset alteration of memory. MRI Scan of his brain showed a Large Tumour at the base of the brain, behind the forehead – a Basi-Frontal Meningioma.

The tumour was removed completely and the patient recovered nicely. Histopathology (microscopic assessment of the tumour tissue by Neuro-Pathologist) showed a Transitional Meningioma (WHO grade I) – a benign tumour.  

These tumours have a rich blood supply and are prone to bleeding during surgery. The nerves of smell along with centres for memory, behaviour and continence are located in this area of the brain. The nerves of vision as well as blood supply to one’s legs are closely related. Therefore, careful removal of the tumour by microsurgical technique is essential to avoid damaging these structures.