Michigan Head & Spine Institute, Author at Michigan Head & Spine Institute Blog

The Importance of Getting a Second Opinion and Gaining Peace of Mind
If your body is telling you one thing, and your physician another, it may be time to seek a second opinion regarding surgery or treatment. When uncertain of an original diagnosis, or continuing to experience pain or discomfort – a second opinion can allow you to take control of your health and put your mind at rest.

Why Should You Get a Second Opinion?
The Mayo Clinic conducted a study of 286 patients that found as many as 88% of the people seeking a second opinion will leave a physicianʼs office with a new or redefined diagnosis. Of those patients, 21% will leave with a “distinctly different” diagnosis. Whereas only 12% will learn that the original diagnosis was correct. These results showed that one out of every five patients was incorrectly diagnosed.*

Percentages such as these prove the importance of looking for a second opinion when necessary, and that patients should follow to their instincts.

When You Should Get a Second Opinion?
If you are not getting the answers that help you make an informed decision regarding a surgical procedure, or treatment option, you should ask more questions of your doctor. Ask yourself if pursuing the diagnosis will have lifelong consequences to your lifestyle and wellbeing. Would it be invasive or a risk to your quality of life? Focus on chronic and serious conditions when questioning treatment outcomes, and when inquiring about exploring other treatment options.

A physician should accept and respect your wishes for seeking a second opinion. They can also assist by offering referrals, and providing all of your medical records and test results. This will help your physician to communicate with the second physician, if needed.

Watch Valerie’s full story below:

Angela’s Second Opinion Story
“I was hit by a drunk driver, and immediately had this pain down my arm and wrist,” Angela said.

She’d gone to her primary care physician who diagnosed her injury as a pulled muscle from the seat belt. After seeing a chiropractor, and a neurologist, her pain still continued to worsen. Frustrated, Angela knew she required a second opinion.

“I was devastated and couldn’t do this anymore,” she explained, “My husband said to phone our insurance company and have them recommend another doctor for me, or we were going to find one.”

Angela’s insurance adjuster gave her the phone number for Michigan Head and Spine Institute.

“From the very first appointment I had a new diagnosis, a plan of action and was set up with a physician for pain management,” Angela said, finally relieved, “This doctor literally saved my life. Between his pain management and conservative treatment, Michigan Head and Spine Institute went above and beyond.”

Watch Angela’s full story below:

How a Patient Can Get a Second Opinion

Patients have rights – you have the right to a second opinion. MHSIʼs multidisciplinary team can offer further knowledge and peace of mind for a brain, neck or spine diagnosis or surgery. If you, or a loved one, need more information about getting a second opinion contact Michigan Head and Spine Institute at 248-784-3667 or visit MHSI.us to schedule an appointment.

Immediate Telehealth Appointments Available.

*Mayo Clinic, 2017. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice

Movement disorders refer to conditions which cause abnormal voluntary or involuntary movements. Symptoms are caused by disorganized electrical signals in specific areas of the brain. Those challenged with essential tremor, Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, and other neurological conditions may benefit from deep brain stimulation (DBS), especially when symptoms progress or medications become less effective.

DBS is performed by neurosurgeons who precisely place one or more wires, called electrodes or leads, inside the brain. The lead is connected to a pacemaker-like device called a neurostimulator that is surgically implanted into the patient’s chest. The neurostimulator then conducts continuous pulses of electric current through the leads to interrupt the disorganized brain signals causing tremor or other movement disorder symptoms.

Insertion of the leads and neurostimulator are typically accomplished in two steps. First, the neurosurgeon places the leads either into one or both sides of the brain, and this is often performed while the patient is awake. In a second procedure the neurostimulator is implanted in the chest while the patient is asleep. Programming of the neurostimulator can be performed by the neurosurgeon, neurologist, or primary care physician, to find the optimum settings that are effective for each patient. There are different devices available that can tailor therapy to each individual patient, and the device representative often has an important role to help the patient become familiar with their programmer and programming settings.

For patients with essential tremor, the most common movement disorder, DBS can return a person to normal daily activities like dressing, shaving, eating, and drinking. Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease such as tremor, bradykinesia and rigidity are especially well-treated with DBS, and medication dosages can often be decreased. Dystonia is an uncommon movement disorder, with symptoms of abnormal posturing and twisting movements, which also respond to DBS.

DBS can also be used to treat patients with epilepsy, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or certain pain disorders. These unique disorders are often managed by specialized neurologists and psychiatrists, and a thorough discussion with your specialist is necessary to determine if you are a candidate for this therapy.

At MHSI, a neurosurgeon or functional neurosurgeon will work with a patient’s neurologist or primary care physician prior to and after surgery to ensure that the optimal therapy is achieved.

For more information about DBS, visit our patient education page on the topic, click here. If you or a family member or friend might benefit from DBS, please schedule a consultation by calling 248-784-3667 or visit MHSI.us .

MHSI Neurosurgeons Who Perform DBS

Dr. Fredrick Junn
Dr. Richard Veyna

Michigan Head & Spine offers Telehealth appointments through Zoom Cloud Meetings. The following tips will help you prepare for a Telehealth visit.

Schedule an appointment
Your appointment can be scheduled through the office where you see your MHSI provider. On the day of your appointment you will receive a Zoom link and passcode. If you need to reschedule your appointment, please contact us within 24 hours of the appointment via the patient portal or by calling 248-784-3667.

Find the right location
Find a quiet place to communicate with your physician. Make sure this is a location where you won’t be disturbed by others coming into the room or background noises like the television, radio, pets, or noisy appliances. Be sure to have plenty of space around you – you may be asked to move around during your appointment so your physician can see your movements. DO NOT hold your Telehealth visit while you are driving or sitting in a vehicle – MHSI will reschedule your appointment as a result. Make sure there is plenty of light in the space where you hold the meeting so your provider can see you clearly.

Prepare your personal details
Come prepared to discuss your medical history or any pre-existing conditions you have. Be sure to mention any symptoms you may be experiencing since your last appointment. Check your prescriptions so you can discuss refills if they are needed. And, be sure to write down any questions or concerns you may have so you don’t forget to ask during the appointment.

Set up technology
Telehealth appointments require an internet-connected device and use of a video source from a smartphone, computer with camera, or tablet. Make sure that your equipment is fully charged or plugged in and reliably connected to the internet before your appointment. Headphones or earbuds provide the best sound quality and can help reduce feedback or background noise.

Our virtual appointments are available through the Zoom Cloud Meeting application. Be sure that you have downloaded the most current program from the App store for your phone, tablet or computer. The application is free to download.

Test your software in advance of your scheduled appointment by visiting the Zoom website at https//zoom.us/test.

Get connected
Be sure to be connected to the internet and locate the meeting link. Follow these steps to connect:

Click the Zoom link in the email or text to launch the Zoom application.
Enter the Meeting ID and Passcode from the email appointment to join the meeting.
You will see a preview window and a button that states “Join with Video,” click the button to begin.
You may be asked by Zoom to allow permissions or enable video and audio.
Join the audio by selecting “Call via device audio” or “Call via internet”
Please be patient with your provider if they do not arrive precisely at the appointment time.

For more assistance a short video on How to Join a Zoom Meeting can be viewed here.

We will try to assist you in getting connected the best we can – but we cannot provide IT support. Please have assistance available with you at your appointment time if you have difficulties connecting. If you are unable to get connected, your appointment may be rescheduled.

Click here to download our connection tips sheet and keep it for future reference during your scheduled appointment.

A subspecialty of neurosurgery and neurology, a neuroendovascular specialist surgically treats complex brain and spinal cord vascular lesions from inside the blood vessels using minimally invasive techniques.

The goal of an endovascular procedure is to keep blood flowing through the blood vessels or to prevent a blood vessel from bursting. Catheters (small hollow tubes) and very small devices, some no thicker than a strand of hair, are used to fill the space in the vessel and seal it. This helps prevent blood flow and the potential for the blood vessel to burst. In some situations, to keep the blood flowing and relieve pressure on the vessel a stent or flow diverter is inserted.

A special x-ray called angiography is performed in a special procedure room at the hospital. This helps the neuroendovascular specialist determine where the blood flow is restricted in the vessel, where the vessel is bulging or tangled and preventing proper blood flow. Angiography is also used to guide the catheters through the vessels from the groin to the treatment area where the repair is made during a minimally invasive procedure.

Rarely does a patient have the option to choose a neuroendovascular specialist. The treatment for conditions like an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke or an impending rupture that can occur with a brain aneurysm or an arteriovenous malformation or AVM in the brain or spine begin in the emergency department.

MHSI neurosurgeons and interventional neurologists are on staff at all the southeastern Michigan health systems, and are on-call in all the major emergency departments to treat conditions requiring neuroendovascular procedures and neurosurgical cases.

Watch LaMonte's story in his own words:

Every year, more than 200,000 people are diagnosed with Chiari Malformation, a condition where a portion of the brain pushes into the spinal column, reducing the flow of spinal fluid.

Receiving a Chiari diagnosis is often a relief just to know that the symptoms are acknowledged.

Chiari Malformation can cause severe headaches, dizziness, difficulty swallowing and more. Adults have balance issues, debilitating headaches, muscle weakness, ringing in the ears and neck pain. Infants and children experience developmental delays, gagging, vomiting or reflux, excessive drooling and irritability.

This combination of symptoms can make life miserable. Fortunately, MHSI has one of the nation’s foremost experts in the surgical treatment of Chiari Malformation, Holly Gilmer, M.D., who has the knowledge and experience in offering treatment to both adults and children. Patients have traveled as far as Colorado, Maine, and Arizona to Michigan just so they could have the best chance at a full recovery.

Amy, a kindergarten teacher, is a patient of Dr. Gilmer. Battling extreme exhaustion and migraine headaches, Amy was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation, but the first neurosurgeon she saw told her the treatment is an elective surgery. When her daughter was diagnosed with a tethered spine, Amy found Dr. Gilmer.

“I kept going to doctors and they kept telling me I was stressed out and overworked. They gave me anxiety pills,” recalled Amy.

After meeting with Dr. Gilmer and choosing Chiari decompression surgery, Amy is off her headache medications, no longer has a stiff neck and, in general, feels great.

Patients who are diagnosed with Chiari Malformation and choose neurosurgery at Michigan Head and Spine Institute have comfort in the knowledge that Dr. Gilmer literally wrote the book on Chiari Malformation and decompression surgery. Her work is referenced in medical journals and with Chiari patients all over the world.

In addition to Dr. Gilmer’s expertise, patients at MHSI are in excellent hands throughout their care, no matter what their diagnosis. Throughout the spectrum of your treatment – from making your first appointment, through diagnosis and on to surgery and recovery – every patient deserves the best. Our experience and expertise gives MHSI patients an advantage for an excellent recovery.

Watch Amy’s and Zeke’s stories in their own words

<div class="at-above-post-arch-page addthis_tool" data-url="https://www.mhsi.com/blog/minimally-invasive-spine-surgery/"></div>The physical symptoms of spine and neck conditions can be debilitating – and the mental side effects can be worse.<div class="at-below-post-arch-page addthis_tool" data-url="https://www.mhsi.com/blog/minimally-invasive-spine-surgery/"></div>

Downriver Communities Now Have Neurosurgery Expertise

When looking for a neurosurgeon, you want someone you can trust with head, neck and spine conditions. Someone who has expertise with a good reputation. Someone close to home.

MHSI opened a new office, conveniently located on the campus of Beaumont Hospital, Trenton. Staffed by neurosurgeons Ratnesh Mehra, D.O., Pradeep Setty, D.O. and Jeffrey Jacob, M.D., we offer the caliber of care and treatment you expect, only closer to home.

Neurosurgery is delicate, and you want the best, most experienced surgeons. The team at MHSI – Trenton has a complex set of skills including minimally invasive and robotic surgery, superior knowledge of brain tumors, and leading-edge experience with skull base and spine surgery.

Patients have long traveled to MHSI to be seen by specialists who provide the full spectrum of care for head, neck and spine conditions, because we provide a range of treatment and diagnosis options that are unparalleled in Southeast Michigan. And with the new Trenton office so close to home, receiving our care just got easier.

This is our tenth location and our first Downriver. Opening another office cements our mission to you: Provide the best, most experienced care. Spine, neck and head conditions are complex, and you want the best surgeon. With the team at MHSI working for you, helping you make the best decisions for your health, you know you have the professionals you want on your side.

The new location on Fort Street, on the campus of Beaumont Hospital, Trenton, opens up conveniences for patients as well. Imaging, testing, therapies and more are within arm’s length at the hospital, while the doctors you trust are right there with you.

We are accepting new patients, seeing post-op patients and continuing to provide care for those in the follow-up stage of care. You can call 248-784-3667 for an appointment, or request one online.

Expertise makes a difference, and the difference is MHSI.

Several months ago we shared how the Michigan Legislature had passed sweeping changes to the Michigan No-Fault Insurance Law and the Michigan Insurance Code – known as SB1. A “trailer bill,” HB4397 was passed on by the Michigan House and Senate that included some modifications, which was signed into law on June 11, 2019.

These changes take effect on July 1, 2020. It requires you to consider the level of personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage should you be in an auto accident. The default amount caps at $250,000. It also removes lifetime medical benefits, should they be needed.

While on the surface a reduced auto insurance payment sounds great to all of us, but what is the level of risk you are willing to take? Here’s a guide of cost savings to help you make an educated decision:

$0 personal injury protection (a 100% savings on the PIP coverage but risks having no medical care as a result of an auto accident).
$50,000 of personal injury protection, plus $200,000 for immediate trauma care (a 45% savings for those who opt out of PIP).
$250,000 of personal injury protection (a 20% savings for those who opt out of PIP).
$500,000 of personal injury protection (a 10% savings for those who opt out of PIP).
Unlimited personal injury protection (Insurers are mandated to offer it).

Also To Consider:

Does the cost of purchasing added PIP coverage outweigh the cost of an ambulance ride which can cost between $500 into the thousands depending on the care rendered? An emergency room visit or surgery could be thousands of dollars depending on the nature of the injury and care provided. If rehabilitation or physical therapy is needed, depending on the type and length of time could be a lifetime financial burden on a family.

With the new cap levels, if you hit someone who has the lowest amount of mandatory liability insurance of $50,000 in Michigan, and you have selected a lower PIP cap amount, medical bills can mount up with no insurance available to pay for it. That leaves Michigan drivers dangerously medically and financially exposed.

If you think your medical insurance will cover the cost of care from an auto accident, you might be wrong! Be sure to talk with your health insurance company or employer representative about how to coordinate medical benefits with your auto insurance PIP coverage.

As of July 1, Michigan becomes a Tort state. What that means is that without additional liability coverage on your auto insurance policy, if you are found to be 51% at fault the other individual in the auto accident has the right to sue you personally for their financial losses related to the accident. What Michiganders have come to think of as a ‘No Fault State’ has changed and put the burden of liability on the auto owner.

Why Are We Sharing This Information?

The changes to the Michigan No-Fault law are many and very complex. This is new territory for insurance companies, and we believe the impact of this change is not clearly understood by legislators, yet it’s now law.

We treat many patients who were injured in an auto accident. We know the physical damage an auto accident can cause. We know how it changes our patient’s lives. Adding a financial burden on top of physical injuries may severely impact those involved in an auto accident.

Under this new legislation, you may be sued and held financially liable for medical expenses, if you are held responsible for the accident and the person (s) involved in the accident should they reach the cap of their medical coverage. It is important to protect your family and financial assets should you or a child be in an auto accident, regardless of who is at fault.

We are physicians, not lawyers or insurance agents. We want our patients to be informed about the potential of health and financial consequences as a result of changes to the Michigan No-Fault Auto Insurance. We can’t advise what is right option for you, we suggest to at least have a conversation with your auto insurance provider to learn your options.

Republished from the Grosse Pointe News (Written by GPN Staff – March 19, 2020)

5:30 a.m. David Wegener made his first cup of coffee. Then strange things started happening. He dropped his cup on his desk. He tried to send a text, but couldn’t quite hit the letters. He told his wife he might need to go to the doctor, but it never occurred to him he might be having a stroke.

He went on to his tile shop to get his crew ready for the day. With a little numbness and weakness in his right hand, he decided to go to the Ascension Providence Rochester ER.

His initial neurological exam didn’t indicate a stroke. But a CT scan did in fact show a blocked artery to his brain. The ER immediately sent the scan to neurosurgeon Richard Fessler, M.D., FAANS, FACS. Using specialized software, Dr. Fessler could determine the right treatment for the stroke within two minutes.

Life-saving treatment. David was transferred immediately to Ascension St. John Hospital, a Comprehensive Stroke Center and a Level 1 Trauma Center, where Dr. Fessler had a team waiting. David went straight into a minimally invasive stroke procedure that saved his life.

David Wegener now makes healthy living a priority after receiving lifesaving stroke treatment at Ascension Providence Rochester ER. Courtesy photo

Ascension Michigan specializes in acute stroke care, with the busiest stroke care system in Michigan and the only system in the state using the advanced imaging software.

“Timing is critical in treating stroke and I could see Mr. Wegener didn’t yet have permanent damage,” said Dr. Fessler. “We were able to dissolve a potentially disabling blood clot by injecting medication into his artery. He got better while he was still on the table.”

Care with compassion. “The entire team that cared for me was wonderful,” said David, “from the people who transferred me to the nurses who answered all my questions. They really listened to me.”

David went home in a few days with none of the typical aftereffects of stroke. The week after, reality sank in.

“I realized I could’ve died,” he said. “I dodged a bullet.”

With his own business and three daughters in college, David acknowledges he has a lot to live for. And he’s committed to putting his health first. His new priorities: losing weight, increasing physical activity and reducing stress.

“The changes I’ve needed to make in my life, I used to put them in pencil,” he said. “Now they’re in ink.”

Check in for any Ascension emergency room at GetAscensionMichiganCare.com.

Remember: If you’re having a serious emergency, get to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1.

To learn more about stroke and stroke symptoms, click here to visit our information page. To schedule an appointment with a MHSI expert, visit our website at www.mhsi.us.

For the last few weeks, MHSI physicians have been treating many of our current patients using TeleHealth virtual visits. We are pleased to announce that we are expanding virtual visits to new patients beginning immediately. For those who need to be treated in the office, as always, we follow CDC guidelines for safety and cleanliness.

To schedule a TeleHealth virtual visit or in person visit, call 248-784-3667 or request an appointment online.

Frequently Asked Questions: TeleHealth

Q. How do I schedule a TeleHealth virtual visit with my doctor?
A. Call the office at 248-784-3667 to schedule an appointment. You may also request an appointment through your patient portal. Or if you are a new patient, you can request an appointment using the online form.

Q. Does my insurance cover the TeleHealth virtual visit?
A. Most insurance companies have relaxed their regulations and now cover this service.

Q. Will my TeleHealth virtual visit be with my doctor?
A. Your scheduled appointment will be with your doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant. If you are a new patient, you will visit with the practitioner you are scheduled to see.

Q. Will my TeleHealth virtual visit be private?
A. Yes, we are using Zoom software which is HIPAA compliant, all audio, video and screen sharing data is encrypted to protect your identity. Being in a quiet and private area of your home is suggested. We appreciate patients being dressed appropriately which includes shirts and pants. Please do not attend your visit while driving a car.

Q. What if I am not very computer savvy?
A. We are very patient and will guide you through each step.

Q. What type of technology or equipment do I need for a TeleHealth virtual visit?
A. When your appointment is scheduled, you will receive instructions for how to download onto your computer, iPad or smartphone, the meeting software called Zoom. A few minutes before your appointment, open your preferred browser (we recommend Google Chrome) and type in Zoom.com. At the time of your appointment, you will receive a phone call to provide a secure meeting ID number and password to join the meeting. Staff will be able to assist you with this process.

Q. How long will I be with my doctor?
A. Most visits require 10-20 minutes of your time.

Q. What if I really need to be seen by my doctor in the office?
A. In addition to virtual visits, MHSI doctors are still treating patients in the office, if it is necessary. For example if stitches, staples, or shunt removal is needed or if it is determined an office visit is necessary during your TeleHealth virtual visit. You should be aware that we continue to follow CDC guidelines for safety and cleanliness, along with following the State of Michigan’s physical distancing requirements.

To schedule a TeleHealth virtual visit or in person visit, call 248-784-3667 or request an appointment online.

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