Advanced spinal surgery

The spine is a complex structure, and conditions affecting it can involve the spinal cord, nerves, vertebrae, or surrounding tissue. These include tumors, vascular malformations, traumatic injury, and severe degenerative disease, located inside the spinal dura (intradural) or outside it (extradural). Karolinska's neurosurgical team has long-standing academic and clinical experience treating these conditions, with outcomes published in peer-reviewed research.

Treating advanced spinal conditions requires precise diagnosis and, often, highly specialized surgery. The goal is to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, restore function, and prevent further neurological damage, while accounting for the specific location and nature of the underlying problem.

Symptoms vary depending on the cause and location, and may include:

Persistent back or neck pain
Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs
Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
Loss of bladder or bowel control in more severe cases

Diagnosis typically involves:

MRI or CT scans to assess the spinal cord, nerves, vertebrae, and surrounding structures
Neurological examination to evaluate strength, sensation, and reflexes
Additional imaging or lab tests depending on the suspected cause

Treatment is tailored to the specific diagnosis and may involve advanced surgical procedures performed by specialized spinal neurosurgeons, such as:

Removal of tumors or other lesions
Decompression of the spinal cord or nerves
Stabilization or fusion of the spine when needed
Correction of vascular malformations

Not all spinal conditions require surgery; some are managed through close monitoring or non-surgical care, and treatment decisions are made on a case-by-case basis following thorough evaluation.

Neurosurgery

Pioneers in modern neurosurgery with extensive collaborations worldwide. Neurosurgery