Christine, it sounds as if the Cyber Knife may have created neuropathic damage to at least two and possibly three branches of the nerve -- something it is supposed to do in a controlled manner and in a limited area or lesion. In this case, however, it would seem that the numbing effect is deeper and more widely distributed than it would normally be. I would intuit that the target zone of the procedure may have been quite close to the branching of the 5th cranial nerve from the brain stem. So all three branches got affected.
It's harder to guess exactly how the Spheno-Palatine Ganglion block may have affected you, though it seems possible that the block has done pretty much what it was supposed to do, and that's to create numbness in place of pain. With SPG I would expect effects to begin to wear off within 4 to 8 weeks max. Cyber Knife effects may change and lessen over time, but probably a longer time -- months up to a couple of years.
The embedded issue, of course, is that as the numbness dissipates, the original pain could return. You won't know that until or unless it happens, so it's not helpful to worry over it. You are living with a one-day-at-a-time disorder, Christine.
Sorry I can't offer more precise input. I'm not a physician. I've merely talked to over 3500 patients as a patient advocate and online research specialist during 17 years.
Regards, Red
Hi, Red.
As always, I appreciate your insight and the time you take to respond to my posts.
I had numbness after the Cyberknife, along with a host of other terrible side-effects. The numbness was limited to a small area, however. Now, the entire left side of my head is numb, from the neck up.
I am seeking help from a new neurologist and am seeing an attorney to see if there is any recourse in terms of responsibility. I am working part-time and trying to cope, but I am not the same girl I used to be at all. I am wiped-out from meds, not very nice to be around, and thankfully only let my feelings get the better of me once in a while.
I would appreciate any suggestions, ideas, etc. Have you talked to any patients who have pursued medical malpractice after any of the procedures?
Thanks again, best to you,
Christine
With the SPG being a sympathetic nerve, it is not usually supposed to have a numbing effect. The SPG itself is numbed, but by numbing it, it shouldn't be able to send the signals to the sensory nerves. Also, the block doesn't usually last that long. I have not had this done myself, however I have discussed it at length with my facial pain specialist. The benefit of attacking the SPG instead of other nerves/ganglions,is that isn't supposed to cause numbness. I'm not really sure what to tell you.
No two cases are medically or legally identical. But one clue may help: if the attorney wants a retainer up front to pursue your claim of medical malpractice, then he's either a crook or incompetent... or perhaps believes your claim may not be easy pickings to pursue. If that happens, then walk the other way.
Regards, Red
Hi Cleo,
I would like to get more info. from you on your thoughts re: malpractice. I don't know how to PM you
however.
Christine
Cleo said:
Some "feeling" coming back for me included years of burning and electrical shocking. Which with having my nerve dug out of a "train wreck" was considered normal healing. I know of several dozen people who have gone down malpractice lane. Feel free to PM me on it..