...SPINAL STENOSIS INTRODUCTORY HUMAN ANATOMY 11/19/2010 Spinal stenosis is a term used to describe a narrowing of the spinal canal. First stenosis means choking or closing in. the purpose of this information is to help understand the anatomy of the spine related to spinal stenosis the signs and symptoms of spinal stenosis. This problem is more common in adults over 50 years old and 60 years old. However it can occur in younger people who have abnormally small spine canals do to birth defect. According to anatomy &physiology the spinal cord lies within the vertebral canal, where the vertebrae offer protection. In addition, the spinal cord is encircled by three connective tissue coverings called meninges (p.483). The spinal cord is part of the central nervous system (CNS) which extends caudally and is protected by the bony structures of the vertebral column. It is covered by three membranes of the CNS the Dura mater, arachnoids and innermost pia mater (p484). The spinal cord has three basic functions to control certain repetitive functions (e.g. walking), conduct impulses to /from brain and spinal nerves and coordinate spinal reflexes. Spinal stenosis describes a condition in which the nerves in the spinal canal are closed in, or compressed. The spinal canal is the hallow vertical hole formed by the bones of the spinal column. The journal of the American medical association says spinal stenosis is used to describe a narrowing of the spinal canal, which contains the...
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...Unit One Workbook Assignment Chapter 2: Developmental, Congenital, and Childhood Diseases and Disorders Assignment: For each scenario that follows, explain how and why you would schedule an appointment or suggest a referral based on the patient’s reported symptoms. Be sure to first review the “Guidelines for Patient-Screening Exercises” found on page iii in the Introduction section of your Workbook. The mother of a 6-month-old infant calls the office requesting an appointment for her child. She advises that she thinks the child’s head appears swollen and that there are areas that appear to be bulging. What is your response regarding the appointment. Due to her explanation of the symptoms of the infant child it sounds as if the child may have Robinow Syndrome. I'd advise her to make an appointment with the physician when possible so that her child can be diagnosed properly before a proper treatment can be performed, if possible. The mother of a 3-year-old boy calls to report her child had the onset of vomiting and abdominal pain during the night and is now experiencing blood in his urine. She says she just noticed a swelling on his left side toward his back. She requests and appointment. What is your response regarding the appointment? Given the onset of symptoms I'd advise this mother to take her child to the hospital. It seems like the child may have Wilms' Tumor and promptly taking care of this will help in the child's survival. ...
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...Patients seeking a professional chiropractor at the Hoover Health and Wellness Center are often amazed by how thorough their treatment becomes. Entering the office for persistent headaches or back pain is understandable, yet these patients also receive nutritional advice to enhance their adjustments and lives. G. Forrest Edwards, D.C., D.A.B.C.O., the physician who runs the Hoover facility is dedicated to all aspects of health and wellness, including nutrition. Chiropractic care is the practice of treating a patient's illnesses or conditions through spinal adjustments. This concept, which works on the cause of the issue, rather than the symptoms associated to the issue, has been used for over a century. By keeping the neuromuscular system of the body aligned and working properly, a whole host of maladies can be treated or even reversed....
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...use an array of imaging techniques which include: • Conventional radiography (X-ray) • Ultrasound • Computerized Tomography • Magnetic Resonance Imaging • Interventional Radiology • Radiation Therapy The acquisition of medical imaging is usually carried out by the radiographer or radiologic technologist. The radiologist then interprets or "reads" the images and produces a report of their findings and impression or diagnosis. Central Nervous System The nervous system is organized into two parts: the central nervous system, which consists of the brain and the spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, which connects the central nervous system to the rest of the body. In the central nervous system, the brain and spinal cord are the main centres where communication of nervous information occur. Both the brain and spinal cord are covered with a system of membranes, called meninges and are suspended in the cerebrospinal fluid; they are further protected by the bones of the skull and the vertebral column. The central nervous system is composed of large numbers of excitable nerve cells and their processes, called neurons, which are supported by specialized tissue called neuroglia. The long processes of a nerve cell are called axons or nerve fibres. The interior of the central nervous system is organized into gray and white matter. Gray matter consists of nerve cells embedded in neuroglia; it has a gray color. White matter consists...
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...Spinal Cord Injury Spinal cord trauma may result from direct injury to the cord itself or indirectly from damage to surrounding tissues, blood vessels or bones. The damage or trauma results in an impaired function of the spinal cord causing a lack of sensation or reduced mobility. Many spinal cord trauma injuries occur in men aged 15-35 who are relatively healthy individuals. The death rates of these young individuals with spinal injuries are significantly very high. Causes Many injuries are a result of gunshot wounds, motor accidents, falls and sports injuries. A minor spinal cord injury occurs if spine is weakened (osteoporosis/rheumatoid arthritis/spinal stenosis). The reason behind this can be explained by the normal ageing process. Patients who have had other medical problems which make them more prone to falling from weakness (e.g. stroke) can also be classified under this heading. Other causes include direct injury to the spinal column where the disks or bones have been fragmented. This can be for example if the cord is compressed, pulled in either direction or even if the head, back or neck are twisted beyond their normal rotational angle during an injury or accident. Compression can result from blood being accumulated inside the spinal canal causing damage to occur to the spinal cord. Symptoms The symptoms patients experience depend on the location of the injury as it causes weakness and sensory loss at and below the point of injury. Injury severity is...
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...Spinal cord disease is any condition affecting the spinal cord developing outside of injury. There are many different examples of these diseases. Some of them are present from birth while others develop much later in life. Conditions grouped under the category “spinal cord disease” include multiple sclerosis, spinal stenosis and spondylosis, and spina bifida. Spinal cord injuries may present with many of the same symptoms, but they’re caused by trauma and aren’t included in the same category. Treatment options for spinal cord disease vary widely. They include treatment with painkillers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids, to bracing and surgery. The ineffectiveness of some treatments have left many patients...
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...– sudden involuntary contraction of one or more muscle groups o Protective mech o Attended by cramps, pain, and interference with f(x), producing involuntary movement and distortion Reduced Blood Supply to Brainstem (p. 496) • Winding course of vertrebral arteries through foramina transverasii of the transverse process of the cervical vertebrae and through subocciptal triangle • Problem when arteriosclerosis (hardening of arteries) – reduces blood flow • Symptoms – prolonged turning of the head such as trying to back up in car causes lightheadedness, dizziness, and other symptoms caused by blood supply to brainstem. Compression of Lumbar Spinal Nerve Roots (p. 505) • ↑ in size of lumbar from superior ⋄ inferior, but ↓ IV foramina diameter • L5 spinal nerve roots are thickest and foramina narrowest • ↑% these narrow roots are compressed due to osteophytes (bone spurs) develop or herniation of an IV disc. Myelography (p. 505) • Radiopaque...
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...Volume 4, Number 4, pp 343-348 2001, American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians® ISSN 1533-3159 Case Study Radiation Exposure to a Physician Performing Flouroscopically Guided Caudal Epidural Steroid Injections Kenneth P. Botwin, MD*, Eric D. Freeman, DO, Robert D. Gruber, DO, Francisco M. Torres-Ramos, MD, Constantine G. Bouchlas, MD, Joseph T. Sanelli, DO, and Ashraf F. Hanna, MD This study was designed to investigate radiation exposure to a physician performing fluoroscopically guided caudal epidural steroid injections. The prospective study design included 100 consecutive fluoroscopically guided caudal epidural steroid injections performed on patients with radiculitis from either herniated nucleus pulposus or lumbar spinal stenosis. Radiation exposure was monitored with the assistance of a radiological technologist (RT) who allocated four dosimetry badges to all physicians performing fluoroscopically guided caudal epidural steroid injections on consecutive patients being treated for radicular pain. The badges were placed on the ring finger, glasses and both the inside and outside of the lead apron worn by the physician. In addition, the RTs also wore a marked badge outside his/her lead apron. A control badge was placed 67 inches away from the fluoroscopy table, and a second control badge was located in a desk over 500 feet away from the procedure, to monitor ambient radiation. The average fluoroscopy time per procedure was 12.55 seconds. The average/cumulative...
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...scores obtained in studies of different patient population both before and after treatment ● To review the methodology of outcome measurement ● To consider what is actually measured by this and similar instruments ● Study Design. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) has become one of the principal condition-specific outcome measures used in the management of spinal disorders. This review is based on publications using the ODI identified from the authors’ personal databases, the Science Citation Index, and hand searches of Spine and current textbooks of spinal disorders. Objectives. To review the versions of this instrument, document methods by which it has been validated, collate data from scores found in normal and back pain populations, provide curves for power calculations in studies using the ODI, and maintain the ODI as a gold standard outcome measure. Summary of Background Data. It has now been 20 years since its original publication. More than 200 citations exist in the Science Citation Index. The authors have a large correspondence file relating to the ODI, that is cited in most of the large textbooks related to spinal disorders. Methods. All the published versions of the questionnaire were identified. A systematic review of this literature was made. The various reports of validation were collated and...
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...Heart Valve Surgery Once a valve problem has been diagnosed and surgery scheduled, you’ll have some things to do. Some preparations will help make your surgery go smoothly. Some will help you get set up for your return home from the hospital. And others will help you feel more at ease. Your doctor will talk with you about the risks. Write down all your questions in advance so you don’t forget to ask them. The Week Before Surgery Steps you take before your surgery can help make both the surgery and recovery go smoothly. Follow your doctor’s instructions. • Ask your doctor about scheduling any dental work you might need. Dental work could let bacteria into your bloodstream, which can cause infection on a new valve. • Give your doctor a list of every medication you take, including supplements and over-the-counter products. Your doctor may have you stop taking some of them or start taking others before surgery. • If you smoke, quit right away. You will do better during and after surgery. • Arrange for an adult family member or friend to drive you home from the hospital. Have a helper available for your first week or two at home. • Prepare and freeze food or arrange to have food brought in while you recover. • Make adjustments around your home to simplify movements, such as reducing the need to climb stairs. The Day Before Surgery • You may be asked to wash with special soap the night before surgery. The morning of surgery, don’t use deodorant, lotion, or perfume. • Don’t...
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...buttock to her toes. The feeling is stabbing, burning, and pulsating. She always feels a pulsating, throbbing pain in those areas. She also complains of pain in her right hip. Mrs. Caretaker’s neurosurgeon, Dr. Thor Lumbar, suspects that she has nerve root compressions, one in her neck and one in her lower back. He wants to do another MRI, because he is worried that her delay in the surgery will permanently damage her spinal cord. Spinal cord or nerve root lesions, due to any cause with disorganization of motor function which is also described in (Disability Evaluation Under Social Security, n.d.)11.04B that states Significant and persistent disorganization of motor function in two extremities, resulting in sustained disturbance of gross and dexterous movements, or gait and station (Social Security Medical/ Professional Relations, n.d.). Persistent disorganization of motor function in the form of paresis or paralysis, tremor or other involuntary movements, ataxia and sensory disturbances (any or all of which may be due to cerebral, cerebellar, brain stem, spinal cord, or peripheral nerve dysfunction) which occur singly or in various combinations, frequently provides the sole or partial basis for decision in cases of neurological impairment. The assessment of impairment depends on the degree of interference with locomotion and/or interference with the use of fingers, hands and arms. Mrs. Caretaker has also mentioned that she has pain in her upper back radiates from her neck to...
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...quite elegant and reflects the functions of its component neurons. The central nervous system is composed of the brain and spinal cord and functions mainly to process information and determine the appropriate responses.The peripheral nervous system is composed of all of the sensory and motor neurons of the body and functions to gather sensory information and to control the actions of our bodies.The peripheral nervous system includes two basic types of neurons: sensory neurons and motor neurons. You may remember that sensory neurons are neurons that collect sensory input and send it to the brain, and motor neurons are neurons that transmit signals to...
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...ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease was first founded by a French neurologist in 1869. It was not until 1939 though that national attention was brought to the disease by baseball player, Lou Gehrig. ALS leads to a progressive degeneration of the motor neurons. Along with many other effects, ALS eventually causes all of its victims to die. Lou Gehrig’s disease, which affects thousands of people each year, causes loss of function in the arms and legs. Lou Gehrig’s disease, also known as ALS, is caused by motor neurons in the spinal cord or brain dying. The neurons in the spinal cord normally send electronic messages from the brain down to the muscles. Doing this stimulates the muscles in the arms, legs, and the head. When ALS causes the...
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...Vertebral column; also called spinal column, spine, or backbone; is a flexible column extending from neck to lower back. The major function of vertebral column is to protect the spinal cord and provide stiffening for the body. It also transmits body weight in walking and standing. The vertebral column usually consists of 33 vertebrae. This number may diminish in one region, the deficiency often being supplied by an additional vertebra. Now, the product that I have designed is a synthetic vertebrae. This product can solve the problem of displacing of spinal cord. In the old age, people’s spinal cord becomes brittle. The synthetic vertebrae fight against brittle bones and give stiffness to the body. Meanwhile, it also gives flexibility to the back. A person can move up and down, right and left easily. Most important features that allow the design to perform its intended purposes are the structure of the device, artificial intervertebral disk, and artificial spinal nerves. First feature is the shape and size of the device. The device is made in a way that it looks just like the real vertebrae, with its size and shape. Thus, the device can perfectly fit in the space of the real vertebrae without any dilemma. The machine’s structure can provide flexibility to the body. It also allows the body to move freely. Basically, the structure of the...
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...most people at least once in their lifetime. The spine consists of two main parts; the spine and the back muscles. Your spine consists of bones called vertebras which are joined together by facet joints in which each vertebra has four. Separating the vertebras are soft intervertebral discs. These discs allow your spine to move as well as act as a cushion to absorb shock and vibration that is caused by walking, running, and jumping, among other daily actions. Inside the vertebrae, is your spinal cord. The vertebrae helps to protect the spinal cord from getting damaged. Nerves branch off to various organs within the body, carrying signals from the brain to the organs, muscles, and extremities. Nerves also carry signals from different parts of your body to the brain when it sensation. Then you have your back muscles which are attached to the spine to help keep it stabilized. So as you can see, your back is very important, and keeping it strong will help to protect your spinal cord. Back pain can be caused by a variety of different reasons. The most common cause of back pain is muscles spasms. Muscles spasms are caused by an awkward movement of the back creating a spasm causing the back to lock and cause severe pain. (The Patient Education Institute, Inc., 2011) A muscle spasm can occur by an awkward bend or twist, simple sneeze or cough, or lifting a heavy object incorrectly. Back pain tends to get better over time, but there are some people who deal with chronic...
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