Review the following two case studies. Each patient is being referred to a specialist for further evaluation of a nervous system disorder. Outline characteristics of the disease each patient is suffering from by answering the questions associated with each case study. Answer in your own words.
Case Study 1
Name| Myelin S. Heath|
Patient #| 12312312| DOB:| 03/05/1986|
Physician| Dr. Delgadillo| Date:| 02/16/20XX|
Interoffice Referral Form
Ray D. Ology, M.D.
A Doctor’s Office, North Campus
1515 N. Medical Plaza #151
Anytown, Anywhere 12345
Dear Ray,
Myelin visited my office yesterday complaining of numbness in his right leg and face. He has also been experiencing muscle weakness and mild depression. I noticed a delay in his visual response in both eyes. I have referred Myelin to your facility because of possible multiple sclerosis, and I am requesting an MRI of the brain and spine. Please fax the results to me as soon as possible.
Regards,
Ruben Delgadillo, M.D.
Answer the following questions.
1. What could have caused Myelin’s disease? Mr. Myelin S. Heath could
have had an autoimmune disease that caused his disease, he may also be a sufferer of diabetes type 1 or have irritable bowel syndrome. Although the cause of multiple sclerosis is still unknown, these are predetermining factors in multiple sclerosis for many people. The Epstein Barr virus has also been associated with multiple sclerosis as well as many other viruses and infections.
The Essay on Braden Scale Study Patients Mobility
The Braden Scale is a clinically valued tool that is used to predict pressure ulcers. The scale is broken down into six sub-scales; these sub scales determine the risk factors associated with skin break down. Multiple aspects of a patients condition are examined, (sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, friction and shear), to limit the patients susceptibility for skin break ...
2. What structure(s) and function(s) of the nervous system are affected by multiple sclerosis? The structures and functions that are affected by multiple sclerosis are they myelin sheath, which is the insulation that coats the nerves of the body on the spinal cord and the brain. This happens by the slow erosion of the myelin sheath by chronic inflammation. This affects the central nervous system, optic nerves, the muscles, the stomach and the genitourinary system. The functions that of the nervous system that are affected by multiple sclerosis are vision, double vision or blurred vision, pain during eye movement, partial or complete loss of central vision and typically in one eye. A person with multiple sclerosis will experience numbness or tingling of the peripheral limbs, pain in different parts of the body, the feeling of electrical shock throughout the body that occurs with movement of the head, tremors, unsteady gait (difficulty walking), lack of coordination, slurred speech, dizziness, fatigue, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and sexual dysfunction in more severe cases.
3. What can be done to treat this disease? Treatment of multiple sclerosis consists of managing symptoms, treating attacks and slowing down progress of the disease since there is no cure. Corticosteroids are used mostly to treat inflammation associated with attacks and relapses of MS. Some drugs used can be prednisone taken orally and Solu-Medrol by IV (intravenously).
In more severe cases of people who do not respond to the corticosteroids plasma separation can be used to help combat relapses of MS. Some drugs used to slow the process of the disease that can be used are beta interferons, and immunosuppressants. Physical therapy, muscle relaxants and other medications to help fight fatigue may also be used to treat symptoms of MS.
Case Study 2
Name| Jimmy Schwimmer|
Patient #| 45645645| DOB:| 11/03/2002|
Physician| Dr. Raychee| Date:| 04/21/20XX|
Interoffice Referral Form
Melissa Neidermayer, M.D.
A Doctor’s Office, North Campus
1515 N. Medical Plaza #203
The Essay on Alzheimer’s disease and its affect on the nervous system
This article relates to Alzheimer’s disease and its affect on the central nervous system. According to Guy (2005), “Alzheimer’s disease is a disorder that over time destroys ones memory and disables their ability to learn, make judgments, communicate, and participate in daily activities.” This disease has been growing more and more every year. It eventually leads to death resulting from its ...
Anytown, Anywhere 12345
Dear Melissa,
I’m sending Jimmy over for a stat spinal tap to evaluate suspected meningitis. He has had a fever for a couple of days, which increased to 102 degrees today. Since yesterday, he’s been complaining of a headache and stiff neck. His mother said last week he had gone swimming in the pond by their barn and started feeling ill a few days later. Fax results ASAP.
Best,
Terrie Raychee, M.D.
Answer the following questions in your own words.
1. What could have caused Jimmy’s disease? Jimmy’s disease could have been caused by an infection. Meningitis can be caused by a viral infection, bacterial infection or a fungal infection. Although it is usually caused by a viral infection, bacterial meningitis is the most dangerous and usually is caused by streptococcus pneumoniae, meningococcus, or haemophilus influenzae.
2. What structures and functions of the nervous system are affected by meningitis? Meningitis affects the brain, the spinal cord and the nervous system. It affects the brain’s functions by swelling of the inflammation of the meninges and the symptoms manifest as a high fever usually over 102 degrees, a severe headache, a stiff neck, vomiting or nausea accompanied by a headache, drowsiness with difficulties waking up, seizures, confusion and difficulty concentrating, photosensitivity, rash (with viral meningitis), and anorexia.
3. What can be done to treat this disease? Acute bacterial meningitis can be treated with intravenous antibiotics, broad spectrum antibiotics, or bacteria specific antibiotics depending on the bacteria that cause it. Along with antibiotics drainage of fluids may be necessary as well if sinuses or mastoids are filled with fluid, as well as the skull and a membrane, surrounding the brain, and this is done surgically. If the cause of meningitis is caused by herpes, then antivirals may be prescribed. If the cause is fungal then a lab test needs to confirm the fungus and then treatment is to be determined. Viral meningitis usually subsides within a week or two, and bed rest, plenty of fluids and over-the-counter medications to help reduce fever and pain are recommended.
The Term Paper on Nosocomial Staph Infection
Staphylococcal infections are communicable conditions caused by specific bacteria. Infections from Staphlococcus frequently cause the formation of abscesses. Staph is the leading cause of nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections in the United States. Staph exists on the skin and/or in the nostrils of 20-30% of healthy people. It is also sometimes found in the breast tissue, the mouth, and also in ...
