Raynaud's Phenomenon

Question 1

What is Raynaud’s Phenomenon and where does it result?

Answer 1

results due to spasms in the small arteries which results in lack of blood flow and temporary skin discoloration. Most common in hands but can also occur in the toes. Hands appear white or bluish as well as cold and numb

Question 2

What are the two types of presentation of Raynauds?

Answer 2

primary and secondary. primary is not related to an associated medical condition whereas secondary is due to an underlying medical issue which is less common than primary but more serious.

Question 3

Signs and symptoms of secondary presentation of Raynauds appear when?

Answer 3

usually appear around age 40 and appear later than individuals with primary raynauds phenomenon

Question 4

What pathologies can Raynauds be attributed by?

Answer 4

lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma

Question 5

What other triggers can raynauds be attributed to?

Answer 5

stress and cold weather

Question 6

What are the risk factors of raynauds?

Answer 6

climate (cold), age (15 & 30 for primary, 40 for secondary), substance exposure (smoking & taking medication), family history (1st degree relative), sex (women are more affected), occupation (those that work with heavy machinery)

Question 7

What are the symptoms of Raynauds?

Answer 7

decreased temperature, numbness, tingling, skin color change, stinging upon warmth, ulcers in severe cases

Question 8

What are the stages of Raynauds?

Answer 8

first involved area turns white due to lack of blood flow, next, turns blue due to lack of oxygen, finally turns red as the blood flow returns to the area

Question 9

What is the intervention for Raynauds?

Answer 9

reduction of tissue damage, addressing the underlying medical condition, minimizing the severity and # of attacks

Question 10

What are the medications for Raynauds?

Answer 10

Calcium channel blockers, vasodilators

Question 11

What do calcium channel blockers do?

Answer 11

dilates the small blood vessels in hands and feet and decreases the frequency and severity of tax, helps heal ulcers

Question 12

What other intervention types are there for Raynauds?

Answer 12

Nerve injections (botox to block sympathetic nerves in the affected area), and surgery (nerve cutting to interrupt exaggerated response to stimuli)