Clinical Conditions and Pathologies of the Nervous System

Overview

Spinal Bifida: Vertebrae fail to close, CSF leaks out, affects levels below, may require surgical intervention
Hydrocephalus: Excess CSF in the brain, enlarged ventricles, affects brain functions

Types of Damage: External damage affecting levels below
Severity: Complete (loss of sensory/motor function) or incomplete (some preserved functions)
Evaluation: Necessary to determine extent of damage

Neuropraxia: Nerve gently stretched/compressed, temporary sensory symptoms
Axonotmesis: Damage to the axon, symptoms depend on severity
Neurotmesis: Nerve is dead, no transmission of information
Recovery: Possible for neuropraxia and sometimes axonotmesis; neurotmesis prognosis is poor
Symptoms Progression: Sensory symptoms leading to motor weakness and complete loss of function

Symptoms: Pain, loss/impaired sensation, motor weakness
Causes: Trauma (car accidents, gunshot wounds, childbirth injuries)
Evaluation: History, EMG, monitoring range of motion, strength, sensation
**Types: **
- Erb's Palsy: Upper brachial plexus (C5-C8), affects shoulder and elbow
- Klumpke's Palsy: Lower brachial plexus (C7-T1), affects wrist and hand
Rehabilitation: Maintaining passive range of motion, proper positioning, functional impairment management, patient education

Turner Syndrome/Winged Scapula: Injury to the long thoracic nerve, affects serratus anterior muscle, scapular protraction issue
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Affects nerves, muscles, and arteries in the thoracic outlet; symptoms vary based on affected tissue, requires careful evaluation and treatment based on causative factors