Any neurologists or spinal specialists in here?
Discussion
Hi chaps,
To cut a long story short, my father in-law is Greek and has been having terrible back problems for the past 3-4 years. The trouble is, Greek doctors don't seem to know their arses from their elbows, and his condition seems to be getting much, much worse. The doctors say there is damage to the central nervous system which is affecting his movement, but there's nothing they can do about it. Also there was mention that the spinal fluid in-between the vertebrae is not visible, so the spinal cord seems to be 'collapsing'.
It's got to the point where he can't stand up straight any more, or walk very far without having to sit down. He's not even able to shower without help now. He's 61 and has always been a tall well built fellow, but we don't want him to end up in a wheelchair, which is where it seems he's heading.
We are now basically looking at whether it would be better to try and bring him to England and have some specialists here have a look, as Greek doctors aren't much help. His wife (my mother in law) is English, but they live in Greece so we'd have to go private. The Greek doctors mentioned vascular myelopathy, and he had some spinal scans which we have on a CD, this being one of them:
Does anyone have any advice on what to do, or if it sounds like something that can't be fixed. Obviously my O/H and mother in law want to do anything they can for him.
Any advice or suggestions would be much appreciated.
To cut a long story short, my father in-law is Greek and has been having terrible back problems for the past 3-4 years. The trouble is, Greek doctors don't seem to know their arses from their elbows, and his condition seems to be getting much, much worse. The doctors say there is damage to the central nervous system which is affecting his movement, but there's nothing they can do about it. Also there was mention that the spinal fluid in-between the vertebrae is not visible, so the spinal cord seems to be 'collapsing'.
It's got to the point where he can't stand up straight any more, or walk very far without having to sit down. He's not even able to shower without help now. He's 61 and has always been a tall well built fellow, but we don't want him to end up in a wheelchair, which is where it seems he's heading.
We are now basically looking at whether it would be better to try and bring him to England and have some specialists here have a look, as Greek doctors aren't much help. His wife (my mother in law) is English, but they live in Greece so we'd have to go private. The Greek doctors mentioned vascular myelopathy, and he had some spinal scans which we have on a CD, this being one of them:
Does anyone have any advice on what to do, or if it sounds like something that can't be fixed. Obviously my O/H and mother in law want to do anything they can for him.
Any advice or suggestions would be much appreciated.
TBH I'd call a neurologist or spinal surgeon and see what they'd suggest. Talk to one of their secretaries and ask them to get the consultant to review the scans and give you a call about a plan of action. They may well not been keen without seeing your FiL in person but it's worth a go in the first instance.
(If you don't know anyone local to you these guys both have good reputations here in Bristol.)
(If you don't know anyone local to you these guys both have good reputations here in Bristol.)
). He comes highly recommended. Good luck.Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff