Patient Information Leaflets

An Epidural Injection is the name given to an injection into the epidural space.

Cavernoma are abnormal clusters of vessels with small bubbles (sometimes known as caverns) filled with blood that make them look like a raspberry or blackberry. Cavernomas are also known as cavernous angioma, cavernous haemangioma or cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM).

The surgical procedure that you are to be admitted for depends on your specific requirements, but this information is for those who are to have surgery performed in the cervical spine (neck area). 

A cervical collar is a neck brace that limits the movement of your neck while providing you with support and can also provide some pain relief.

This is a specialised pain control procedure. Pain is transmitted by nerves so it may be possible to reduce pain by blocking signals from affected nerves. 

“Epidural injection” is the name given to an injection into the epidural space. The epidural space lies inside the bony spine. The spinal cord and spinal nerves lie within the epidural space surrounded by a thin skin (dural membrane). A cervical epidural is an injection of steroid mixture into the epidural space in the lower part of the neck.

This information has been designed to help give you information about your condition. It is an overview for patients who have sustained a fracture (break) to the bones in the cervical spine (neck area). This is a general guide and individual requirements may vary.

A CTO is a cervical collar (neck brace) that has an extension support to also protect the thoracic spine. It limits movement whilst providing you with support and can also provide some pain relief.

Promedics video

A Chiari Malformation (Hindbrain hernia) is a developmental abnormality which affects the cerebellum. This part of the brain lies at the back of the head, low down and at the top of the spinal canal.