Conditions Treated
Understanding neurological conditions and knowing when to seek specialized care
Dr. Ombikram Shah treats a variety of conditions affecting the brain and spine. Below is information about common conditions to help you understand symptoms and know when to consult a neurosurgeon.
Brain Tumors
Abnormal growths of cells within the brain that can be benign or malignant. Symptoms may include headaches, seizures, vision problems, and cognitive changes.
⚠️Common Symptoms
- •Persistent headaches, especially in the morning
- •Seizures or convulsions
- •Vision or hearing problems
- •Memory or concentration difficulties
- •Personality or behavior changes
- •Weakness or numbness in limbs
🩺When to Consult
If you experience persistent headaches that worsen over time, new onset seizures, or progressive neurological symptoms like weakness or vision changes, consult a neurosurgeon promptly.
Schedule ConsultationSpinal Disorders
Conditions affecting the spine including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and other structural abnormalities that can cause pain and neurological symptoms.
⚠️Common Symptoms
- •Chronic back or neck pain
- •Radiating pain to arms or legs
- •Numbness or tingling sensations
- •Muscle weakness
- •Difficulty walking or balance problems
- •Bowel or bladder dysfunction
🩺When to Consult
Seek neurosurgical consultation if you have progressive weakness, numbness, or if back pain is accompanied by bowel or bladder problems. These may indicate serious spinal conditions.
Schedule ConsultationHead & Spine Trauma
Injuries to the head and spine from accidents, falls, or other traumatic events. These can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage.
⚠️Common Symptoms
- •Loss of consciousness
- •Severe headache after injury
- •Confusion or memory loss
- •Neck pain after trauma
- •Weakness or paralysis
- •Clear fluid from nose or ears
🩺When to Consult
Any head injury with loss of consciousness, persistent headache, vomiting, or confusion requires immediate medical attention. Spinal injuries need emergency care to prevent permanent damage.
Schedule ConsultationDegenerative Spine Diseases
Age-related changes in the spine including osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis that can cause chronic pain and functional limitations.
⚠️Common Symptoms
- •Gradual onset of back or neck pain
- •Stiffness, especially in the morning
- •Pain that worsens with activity
- •Reduced flexibility
- •Leg pain when walking (claudication)
- •Difficulty standing straight
🩺When to Consult
When conservative treatments like physical therapy and medications no longer provide relief, or if neurological symptoms develop, surgical consultation may be beneficial.
Schedule ConsultationCongenital Neurological Conditions
Birth defects affecting the brain and spine, including spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and Chiari malformation. Early detection and treatment are crucial.
⚠️Common Symptoms
- •Abnormal head size in infants
- •Developmental delays
- •Visible spinal abnormalities at birth
- •Balance and coordination problems
- •Chronic headaches in children
- •Weakness in limbs
🩺When to Consult
Congenital conditions often require ongoing neurosurgical care. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes. Consult if developmental milestones are delayed or abnormalities are observed.
Schedule ConsultationEmergency Warning Signs
Some neurological symptoms require immediate emergency care. Seek emergency medical attention if you or someone experiences:
- •Sudden severe headache ("worst headache of my life")
- •Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- •Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- •Loss of consciousness following head injury
- •Seizures in someone who has never had seizures before
- •Sudden loss of bowel or bladder control with back pain
Call emergency services immediately or go to the nearest hospital.
Concerned About a Symptom?
If you're experiencing any concerning symptoms, don't wait. Early evaluation and diagnosis often lead to better treatment outcomes.