Recall the 3 principle processes by which spinal stenosis of the spinal cord occurs
Spinal stenosis most often affects which areas of the spine?
Lumbar and/or cervical spine. Vary rarely affects the thoracic spine. Symptomatic thoracic back pain is much more indicative of malignancy
Outline the 5 principle clinical characteristics of cervical spinal stenosis
What is the most common cause of lumbar spinal stenosis?
Age related degenerative arthritis of the spine
Suggest 7 causes of lumbar spinal stenosis
Describe the the ‘classical’ pain associated with lumbar spinal stenosis
Bilateral leg pain with burning or cramping sensation. Involves the buttocks and thighs and may spread distally in more severe disease
What is spondyloisthesis?
Degenerative lumbar vertebral subluxation
What is the principle differential diagnoses to consider when there is a clinical suspicion of lumbar spinal stenosis?
Cauda Equina Syndrome
Name the 3 modes of conservative of management of lumbar spinal stenosis
Suggest 6 potential causes of Cauda Equina Syndrome
Give 6 clinical features of Cauda Equina syndrome that will be found on examination
Recall the cancer types that commonly metastases to bone from the mnemonic: Kinds Of Tumours Leaping Promptly To My Bones
K - Kidney O - Ovaries T - Thyroid L - Lung P - Prostate T - Testicular M - Myeloma B - Breast
Suggest 3 infective causes of back pain
Give 4 clinical features of a spinal fracture
What is the risk of taking Ibuprofen for patients that also have asthma?
Ibuprofen can cause bronchospasms
Suggest 3 types of primary maligancy that may present with back pain
Name a drug that can be used in the treatment of excessive respiratory secretions
Hyoscine hydrobromide
Which 2 vitamins/minerals should be provided for patients during alcohol withdrawal?
2. Folate
Which medication can be prescribed in order to aid alcohol detoxification?
A reducing regime of chlordiazepoxide
Cholesterol checking for asymptomatic patients can be offered between what age range on the NHS?
Patients between 40-75 years can have CVD risk check through the NHS
According to NICE guidelines, a patient with a QRISK score greater than what level should be offered a discussion concerning lifestyle modification, support and further reassessment in the future?
> 10%
What is the recommended treatment regime for the primary prevention of of CVD in people with a greater than 10% 10 year risk of developing CVD?
20mg Atorvostatin
How does a statin act to lower cholesterol levels?
Inhibits HMGcoA Reductase in the liver - preventing the conversion of saturated fats into cholesterol
Suggest 5 potential signs of increased work of breathing in a child