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Suggest Remedy For Allergy Caused By Titanium

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Posted on Fri, 4 Dec 2015
Question: I have had 3 chiari decompressions and 2 cervical fusions. No dura was opened during first surgery. Things were not fixed properly. Second surgery they placed a titanium mesh over dura. Dysautonomia began. Third surgery they literally had to dig m sh out of brain. Then had two craniocervical fusions then anterior fusion. Had to double beta blocker but dysautonomia got worse. I am now anatomically fixed. But bones did not fuse. I am wondering about titanium allergy. I have other autoimmune blood disorders. Allergic to anything other than real gold. Anything?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Allergy to titanium should be tested with prick tests.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Dysautonomia could be related to autonomic nervous system damage (spinal cord injury), or other causes that may cause it include infection, autoimmune disorders, heavy metals poisoning, diabetes etc.

Titanium allergy after spinal fusion surgery is not a common finding, but still it is possible to happen.

Some fusion failures are difficult to explain and allergic reaction could be one of the causes.

However, symptoms of allergic reaction include fever, pain in back, neck and limbs, skin rashes etc.

If you think you are allergic to titanium you should be examined about it.

Prick tests are available for different metals.

If bones didn't fuse, most probably the cause is having several surgeries in neck area.

If titanium allergy is confirmed by prick tests, it needs to be removed.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Greetings.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (27 minutes later)
Thank you for your reply. Having the MELISA blood test run today. The worst answer I could get is no allergy. Second worst is yes - because I know only to well what that means. Please note the surgery is second to no answer - I think that speaks volumes about the pain. Appreciate your response. Should I have included that I also have Ehlers dahnlos hypermobility and classic forms?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (25 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Defective connective tissue could be cause of nonfusion.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

Ehler-Danlos syndrome affects the connective tissue of joints, blood vessels and skin.

So, in your case, nonfusion of bones is probably related to defective connective tissue, since titanium allergy resulted negative.

Since you are fixed anatomically, there is no need to mess with fusion hardware.

Pain treatment and rehabilitation with physical therapy should be continued.

Hope this helps.

Greetings.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4502 Questions

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Suggest Remedy For Allergy Caused By Titanium

Brief Answer: Allergy to titanium should be tested with prick tests. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for using HCM. I have read your question and understand your concerns. Dysautonomia could be related to autonomic nervous system damage (spinal cord injury), or other causes that may cause it include infection, autoimmune disorders, heavy metals poisoning, diabetes etc. Titanium allergy after spinal fusion surgery is not a common finding, but still it is possible to happen. Some fusion failures are difficult to explain and allergic reaction could be one of the causes. However, symptoms of allergic reaction include fever, pain in back, neck and limbs, skin rashes etc. If you think you are allergic to titanium you should be examined about it. Prick tests are available for different metals. If bones didn't fuse, most probably the cause is having several surgeries in neck area. If titanium allergy is confirmed by prick tests, it needs to be removed. Hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further. Greetings.