Musculoskeletal Flashcards
(175 cards)
What are the differential diagnoses for a stiff neck?
-Muscular Strain
-Cervical Spondylosis/ Arthritis
-Herniated Disc
-Meningitis
-Torticollis
What is the presentation of a neck muscle strain?
- Pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders - Limited range of motion - Tenderness when touched - Gradual onset
What are the risk factors for Muscle strain?
-Overexertion - Poor posture - Muscle imbalances - Repetitive motion - Injury
What is the pathophysiology of a neck muscle strain?
Overstretching or tearing of neck muscles
What is the treatment for a severe muscle strain?
Analgesia (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
+Ice pack
What is the presentation for Cervical Spondylosis?
- Stiffness - Pain, especially with movement - Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands - Weakness in the arms
What are the risk factors for Cervical Spondylosis?
- Aging - Genetics - Past neck injuries - Smoking - Sedentary lifestyle
What is duration onset of symptoms for Cervical Spondylosis?
Insidious onset with symptoms gradually worsening over time
What is the pathophysiology for Cervical Spondylosis?
Degeneration of the spinal discs and joints from ageing or just repetative movements.
What is are the investigations for suspected Cervical Spondylosis?
Imaging - Xray, CT,
Electromyography
What is a common complication of Cervical Spondylitis or a Herniated Disc of the neck?
Cervical Radiculopathy
-nerve compression
What age is Cervical Radiuculopathy most prevalent in?
50s
What are Radicular symptoms?
-Burning / stinging pain
-Radiation of pain to leg
-Numbness and tingling
-Muscle weakness (severe cases)
A patient with a history of Cervical Spondylitis has presented with new symptoms of numbness and burning pain radiating down the leg. What could this be?
Cervical Radiculopathy
(description of radicular symptoms with the fact that it can be caused by cervical spondylitis, and herniated disc)
What is the presentation of Herniated Disc?
- Neck pain - Radiating pain into the arms or shoulders - Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands - Weakness
What are the risk factors of a Herniated Disk?
- Aging - Genetics - Past neck injuries - Heavy lifting - Repetitive motion
What is the duration of onset for a Herniated Disk?
Sudden or Gradual
What is the pathophysiology of a Herniated Disk?
Rupture of the intervertebral disc
What is the treatment for a Herniated Disk?
-Conservative ( rest, therapy, analgesia etc )
-Epidural Injections
-Surgery in severe cases
What is the presentation of Meningitis?
- Severe neck pain - Stiff neck - High fever - Headache - Nausea - Vomiting - Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
What are the risk factors for Meningitis?
- Weakened immune system - Close contact with infected individuals
What is the onset duration of Meningitis?
Sudden
What is the pathophysiology?
Inflammation of the meninges (protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord)
What investigations are required for suspected Meningitis?
-Lumbar puncture (CSF fluid analysis)
-Blood tests
-CT and MRI