Health Guides
by Dr. Arul Muthukumaraswamy

A growth inside the brain which may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

• Headache
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Weakness or speech problems

MRI brain with contrast to understand size and location.

• Observation (selected cases)
• Surgery
• Radiotherapy / chemotherapy (if required)

• Symptomatic tumours
• Increase in size
• Pressure on important brain areas

Not all brain tumours require immediate surgery. Decision is individualised.

Age-related changes in the neck spine causing disc degeneration and nerve compression.

• Neck pain
• Arm pain or tingling
• Numbness in hands
• Weakness or imbalance

MRI scan of the cervical spine.

A. Conservative: Medicines, Physiotherapy, Lifestyle correction
B. Surgery to relieve pressure on nerves or spinal cord.

• Progressive weakness or numbness
• Difficulty in walking or balance issues
• Persistent pain despite treatment

Most patients improve with non-surgical treatment. Surgery is advised only when necessary.

• Monthly follow-up during the first year
• Every 2 months from second year onwards

• Take all prescribed medicines regularly
• Monitor blood pressure regularly
• Control blood sugar if diabetic
• Follow a low-salt, low-oil, low-sugar diet
• Continue physiotherapy daily
• Walk 20–30 minutes regularly
• Attend all scheduled follow-up visits

• Do not stop medications without consulting doctor
• Do not smoke or use tobacco
• Avoid alcohol
• Avoid high-salt foods
• Do not ignore warning symptoms
• Avoid stress and sleep deprivation

F — Face drooping
A — Arm weakness
S — Speech difficulty
T — Time to go to hospital immediately

The soft disc between the back bones has bulged or slipped and is pressing on the nerve, causing back pain and leg pain.

• Back pain
• Leg pain (sciatica)
• Numbness or tingling
• Weakness in the leg

MRI scan of the lumbar spine to clearly see nerve pressure.

A. Conservative: Medicines, Physiotherapy, Activity modification
B. Injection (selected cases)
C. Surgery if pain or weakness does not improve

• Severe pain not improving after 4–6 weeks
• Progressive weakness
• Difficulty in walking or daily activities

Not all patients with slip disc need surgery. Decision is taken carefully.

One back bone has slipped forward over the bone below it, causing instability and nerve compression.

• Back pain
• Leg pain
• Difficulty standing or walking long
• Tightness or weakness in the legs

Standing X-ray and MRI scan of the lumbar spine.

A. Conservative: Medicines, Physiotherapy, Brace (selected cases)
B. Surgery to stabilise the spine and relieve nerve pressure

• Persistent pain despite treatment
• Increasing slip or instability
• Leg pain or weakness affecting daily life

Many patients improve without surgery. Surgery is advised only when necessary.

Caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Can cause loss of consciousness, jerking of limbs, staring spells, or confusion. With proper treatment, most patients live a normal life.

1. Take medicines regularly at the same time every day
2. Do not miss or delay doses
3. Maintain good sleep (7–8 hours)
4. Eat meals regularly
5. Attend regular follow-up visits

1. Do not stop medicines on your own
2. Avoid alcohol and sleep deprivation
3. Do not drive unless permitted by doctor
4. Avoid swimming or heights alone
5. Do not skip follow-up even if seizure-free

First year: Monthly follow-up
From second year: Once every 2 months

• Stay calm and turn patient to the side
• Loosen tight clothing
• Do NOT put anything in the mouth
• If seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, seek emergency care immediately

Many spine and brain conditions do NOT require surgery immediately.

• Pain is improving with medicines or physiotherapy
• No weakness or worsening symptoms
• MRI findings are mild or stable
• Daily activities are manageable

• Body often heals with time
• Nerve irritation reduces gradually
• Conservative treatment is safer initially

• Follow prescribed medicines
• Continue physiotherapy
• Avoid sudden strain
• Attend regular follow-up

• Increasing pain
• New weakness or numbness
• Difficulty walking or bladder problems

Decision for surgery is taken only when benefits clearly outweigh risks.