Pickleball-Related Eye Injuries
Pickleball-related eye injuries are on the rise due to the sport’s rapid growth in the United States, especially among adults aged 50 and older
Dermatomes
Dermatomes are specific areas of skin supplied by a single spinal nerve. The spinal cord is segmented, and each segment gives rise to a pair of spinal nerves, which then branch out to innervate a corresponding area of skin. Clinically, dermatome maps are used to assess and diagnose spinal cord and nerve root injuries by identifying patterns of sensory loss.
Key points about dermatomes:
-
Connection to spinal nerves:Each dermatome corresponds to a specific spinal nerve root, meaning a single spinal nerve innervates that particular skin area.
-
Mapping the body:Dermatomes form a map on the body's surface, allowing doctors to pinpoint the location of nerve damage based on sensory symptoms.
-
Clinical importance:Dermatome maps help determine the level of spinal cord injury and localize nerve root lesions.
-
Variations:While dermatomes are generally consistent, there can be some variation between individuals.
-
C1 exception:There is no dermatome associated with the first cervical (C1) spinal nerve because it doesn't have a sensory component.
How dermatomes are used in diagnosis:
- If a patient experiences a loss of sensation or pain in a specific area of skin (a dermatome), it can indicate a problem with the corresponding spinal nerve root or spinal cord segment.
- By mapping the affected dermatomes, doctors can pinpoint the location and extent of nerve damage or spinal cord injury, which aids in diagnosis and treatment planning.
- For example, if a patient reports pain and numbness in the thumb and index finger, it could suggest an issue with the C6 or C7 nerve roots.
- Skin conditions like shingles can also follow dermatomal patterns, as the varicella-zoster virus lies dormant in nerve ganglia and can reactivate, causing a rash and pain within a specific dermatome.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing occurs when a person breathes primarily through the mouth rather than the nose, often due to nasal obstruction or other health issues
ALS(Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscles, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and ultimately respiratory failure.
Common Hormones and Their Nicknames
Many hormones also have scientific abbreviations and are grouped by chemical classes (e.g., peptide, steroid, amine). The nicknames often come from their most prominent and publicized effects on health or behavior.
A1C
A1C, also known as hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c, is a blood test that measures the average level of blood glucose (sugar) over the past two to three months.
Joint hypermobility syndrome(JHS)
Joint hypermobility syndrome is when one has very flexible joints because the joints are loose and stretchy when the ligaments that should make them stronger and support them are weak