expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Christopher Bilbao, D.O.

Neurosurgeon

Dr. Christopher Bilbao practices Neurological Surgery in Philadelphia, PA. As a Neurological Surgeon, Dr. Bilbao prevents, diagnoses, evaluates, and treats disorders of the autonomic, peripheral, and central nervous systems. Neurological Surgeons are trained to treat such disorders as spinal canal stenosis, herniated discs, tumors, fractures, and spinal deformities, among many others.
19 years Experience
Dr. Christopher Bilbao, D.O.
  • Clifton, NJ
  • Phila Coll of Osteopathic Med
  • Accepting new patients

Can brain damage from a stroke be fixed?

The damage caused by the stroke can be rehabilitated through time and focused treatments based on a stroke therapist.  Good luck to your friend

Can stroke patients smoke?

Smoking is generally not advised, but its especially important in stroke patients to not smoke. Have them talk to their doctor about the various methods of treatment to help stop READ MORE
Smoking is generally not advised, but its especially important in stroke patients to not smoke. Have them talk to their doctor about the various methods of treatment to help stop smoking.

Can stroke patients drink alcohol?

You should clear any alcohol consumption by the doctor who was managing your stroke.

Need neurosurgeon

I am sorry to hear about your condition. It sounds like there are some complex issues occuring here. I recommend you call Duke Medical Center, who has a world-class Neurosurgery READ MORE
I am sorry to hear about your condition. It sounds like there are some complex issues occuring here. I recommend you call Duke Medical Center, who has a world-class Neurosurgery department. Good luck to you.

spinal fusion surgery

This is not common, but it is not unheard of. Discuss with your surgeon your symptoms so you can undergo a detailed workup to determine the problem and help outline a solution READ MORE
This is not common, but it is not unheard of. Discuss with your surgeon your symptoms so you can undergo a detailed workup to determine the problem and help outline a solution

Brain Avm and Radiation Necrosis

Your situation is complex. Gamma Knife SRS has been studied extensively and is known to be a standard of treatment for an AVM, but it is not without risks. Edema is a known risk READ MORE
Your situation is complex. Gamma Knife SRS has been studied extensively and is known to be a standard of treatment for an AVM, but it is not without risks. Edema is a known risk of the procedure, and is managed as you described. Based on a number of factors, your team has decided that the risks of GK treatment are less than open surgery. Your condition should be discussed in detail with your team so they can discuss your treatment options

Increased pain and swelling after spinal fusion

Im sorry that you have these issues after a fusion procedure.  While I cannot answer definitively, I will try to serve as a guide for you. The incision site looks like it is healing READ MORE
Im sorry that you have these issues after a fusion procedure.  While I cannot answer definitively, I will try to serve as a guide for you. The incision site looks like it is healing properly.  The swelling you are noting appears to be the way you are seeing how the incision was stitched together.  Without any drainage or redness, I would continue to watch and ice it if necessary. The pain is the biggest concern here.  Although pain after a spodylolisthesis fusion procedure is expected, you should have a plan in place by your team to help manage the pain, particularly given how far you are from your center.  The pain and numbness down the leg can be considered normal, but you should talk to your providers so they are aware and can manage it in their own way. Good luck.

Can you cure brain aneurysms?

Brain aneurysm can be managed in a number of ways, depending on a number of factors, including your own health.  There are ways to fully eliminate them, but it would be best to READ MORE
Brain aneurysm can be managed in a number of ways, depending on a number of factors, including your own health.  There are ways to fully eliminate them, but it would be best to talk to your neurosurgeon about how to specifically manage your case.

Do blood thinners prevent stroke?

There are many reasons people have strokes.  Some are due to traveling blood clots, the risk of which can be mitigated by the use of aspirin. However, consult with your doctor READ MORE
There are many reasons people have strokes.  Some are due to traveling blood clots, the risk of which can be mitigated by the use of aspirin. However, consult with your doctor before starting any new medication.

What helps nerves heal faster at home?

What exactly do you mean by nerve damage?  There are lots of reasons nerves dont function properly, but getting them to heal is a slow and, often times, incomplete process.  Rest READ MORE
What exactly do you mean by nerve damage?  There are lots of reasons nerves dont function properly, but getting them to heal is a slow and, often times, incomplete process.  Rest the offending nerve, eat nutritious meals, and consult with your doctor to determine the cause of your nerve issues.

What can you do about my migraine?

As a neurosurgeon, migraines are largely not considered surgical. Consider discussing your headache with your doctor, who may start you on medication or refer you to a neurologist READ MORE
As a neurosurgeon, migraines are largely not considered surgical. Consider discussing your headache with your doctor, who may start you on medication or refer you to a neurologist for more complex testing and treatment.

Is nerve surgery risky?

There are always risks in any surgery.  Talk to your surgeon so you can understand all the risks, the benefits, and any available alternatives to having surgery.

Can you fix the nerve damage in your ankle?

It's best to talk to your doctor about what the damage is. Then they can direct you to specialists who may be able to help, depending on what the issue is

How long is recovery from brain aneurysm surgery?

It depends, and everyone is different. Discharge from the hospital can occur in as little as one day, but can take weeks if any complications occur. Generally, you will feel READ MORE
It depends, and everyone is different. Discharge from the hospital can occur in as little as one day, but can take weeks if any complications occur. Generally, you will feel some tiredness and discomfort at the incision site. Talk to your surgeon about specific questions you may have regarding your surgery

HEAD HIT WITH A COUNTER

You likely have a concussion. They can have symptoms that last anywhere from weeks to months. See a medical professional about your diagnosis and potential treatment options, READ MORE
You likely have a concussion. They can have symptoms that last anywhere from weeks to months. See a medical professional about your diagnosis and potential treatment options, which may include medicine or therapies

Can a neurologist fix a damaged nerve?

Generally Neurologists can diagnose and administer medication to help with nerves that may be inflamed or not functioning correctly. Talk to your doctor about your specific diagnosis READ MORE
Generally Neurologists can diagnose and administer medication to help with nerves that may be inflamed or not functioning correctly. Talk to your doctor about your specific diagnosis and treatment options

Is it a cyst or cancerous bump?

You shouldn't jump to "cancer" as a potential source of what this lump is. Generally cancer takes a while to develop into something you can feel, as opposed to an infection which READ MORE
You shouldn't jump to "cancer" as a potential source of what this lump is. Generally cancer takes a while to develop into something you can feel, as opposed to an infection which can occur quickly. See a medical professional about your lump and they can discuss specific diagnoses and treatment options for you

How long does back nerve surgery take?

It depends on the extent of the surgery involved. Talk to your surgeon about the details of your surgery for you to understand what is happening.

What is the best therapy for stroke patients?

There are a number of different therapies available based on their deficits from the stroke.  Talk to their stroke provider about the options available in your area

What foods can help prevent strokes?

No specific foods have shown to be preventative in causing strokes, but having a diet thats high in omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains, and low in saturated fats, has had significant READ MORE
No specific foods have shown to be preventative in causing strokes, but having a diet thats high in omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains, and low in saturated fats, has had significant impacts on overall health. Good luck