Silver Level Clinical Application Templates Flashcards
What is Anterior Cord Syndrome?
an incomplete spinal cord lesion in which the anterior two thirds of the spinal cord are damaged which typically occurs due to a cervical flexion injury or through infarction of the anterior spinal artery
How do patients who suffer from Anterior Cord Syndrome typically present?
loss of motor function and loss of pain and temperature sensation bilaterally below the level of the lesion due to the damage to the corticospinal and spinothalamic tracts
What is Bell’s Palsy?
an acute onset of sensory and motor deficits in structures supplied by the facial nerve (CN VII) typically due to abnormal pressure on the facial nerve due to edema or inflammation
this condition primarily effects the muscles of facial expression but can also impact saliva and tear production
What is the typical outcome for patients who suffer from Bell’s Palsy?
this is a self limiting condition and not life threatening and will typically resolves itself in a matter of weeks to months
PT can help limit dysfunction during bouts of symptoms
What is Cauda Equina Syndrome?
a peripheral nerve injury in which two or more nerves of cauda equina are damaged and lose function
While it is not life threatening it is still a medical emergency and requires surgery as soon as possible due to risk of irreversible damage to the spinal cord
How do patients who have Cauda Equina Syndrome typically present?
severe back pain, functional impairment, diminished sensation in the saddle distribution, bowel and bladder dysfunction and sexual dysfunction
in the early stages it is hard to diagnose because the symptoms are very similar to other nerve injuries conditions such as sciatica dysfunction
What is Myasthenia Gravis?
an autoimmune disorder that affects the transmission of neuromuscular signals
Immune system making antibodies against nerve receptors in the neuromuscular junction
this creates symptoms of weakness and fatigue
What are the primary signs and symptoms associated with Myasthenia Gravis?
muscle weakness within the skeletal muscles with other neurological findings being normal such as reflexes and sensation
muscles fatigue quickly with activity but improves quickly with rest
ocular muscles are typically affected and so diplopia and ptosis are common
facial muscles are typically affected
What triggers may bring about a patients symptoms who has Myasthenia Gravis?
activity, heat, stress, illness, certain medications, menstruation, and pregnancy
What is a Myasthenic crisis?
an episode in which the respiratory muscles experience paralysis and the patient needs to be put on a ventilator in order to breathe
If a patient has a damaged CN VII which side of the face will Bell’s Palsy be noticeable?
the ipsilateral side of the lesion
