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Does Persistent Weakness In The Arm Require Medical Attention As Per The Attached CT Scan?
Question: This is a follow up question for Dr XXXXXXX Bishnoi
I have a CT scan report for him on a case he was looking at.
I have a CT scan report for him on a case he was looking at.
Brief Answer:
CT report interpretation
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back. Sorry for replying late. I was busy at my hospital.
After reading the new CT cervical spine report, I can analyse that
- Her cervical spine decompression is good. There is no spinal canal or neural foramina narrowing.
- Her bony alignement is okay except minimal listhesis at C4-5 level. Usually this much listhesis does not cause any symptoms.
- Only worrisome thing is loss of cervical lordosis. It is suggesting that her neck muscles are in spasm. It can be due to pain and/or poor physiotherapy.
Based on CT report, my suggestion is
- Ask her to do good neck exercise and stretching
- Avoid lifting any kind of weight
- Hot fomentation thrice a day
- Apply diclofenac gel to relieve pain
- If still spasm and pain persists, she can take tablet diclofenac with chlorzoxazone after prescription.
It will help her. Please also tell me hows she? Is she improved or same?
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
CT report interpretation
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back. Sorry for replying late. I was busy at my hospital.
After reading the new CT cervical spine report, I can analyse that
- Her cervical spine decompression is good. There is no spinal canal or neural foramina narrowing.
- Her bony alignement is okay except minimal listhesis at C4-5 level. Usually this much listhesis does not cause any symptoms.
- Only worrisome thing is loss of cervical lordosis. It is suggesting that her neck muscles are in spasm. It can be due to pain and/or poor physiotherapy.
Based on CT report, my suggestion is
- Ask her to do good neck exercise and stretching
- Avoid lifting any kind of weight
- Hot fomentation thrice a day
- Apply diclofenac gel to relieve pain
- If still spasm and pain persists, she can take tablet diclofenac with chlorzoxazone after prescription.
It will help her. Please also tell me hows she? Is she improved or same?
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Thank you Dr. XXXXXXX
Thanks too for asking how she is. Overall she is mostly the same and, having persevered this for 3 years, she says she is learning to live with the pain. Our biggest concern is she might actually be getting worse because there is gradual weakness in her arms. She now has to hold a cup of coffee with both hands to manage. That's disconcerting. But was shall follow your instructions above and report later on progress.
Best regards.
Otswila.
Thanks too for asking how she is. Overall she is mostly the same and, having persevered this for 3 years, she says she is learning to live with the pain. Our biggest concern is she might actually be getting worse because there is gradual weakness in her arms. She now has to hold a cup of coffee with both hands to manage. That's disconcerting. But was shall follow your instructions above and report later on progress.
Best regards.
Otswila.
Brief Answer:
Thank you for appreciation
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
As her CT cervical spine is almost normal, the weakness should not increase because of compression or narrowing. For her weakness, please
- Get her power assessment done from a physiotherapist or doctor. Compare it with her old records. It will give an idea of damage and its degree.
- If there is significant decrease, nerve conduction studies and electromyography of concerned nerve and muscle can identify the damage and its type.
After this, the treatment of weakness can be given. Till then, continue the previously mentioned treatment.
I really hope she recovers.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr. Ishu Bishnoi, Neurologist, Surgica
Thank you for appreciation
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
As her CT cervical spine is almost normal, the weakness should not increase because of compression or narrowing. For her weakness, please
- Get her power assessment done from a physiotherapist or doctor. Compare it with her old records. It will give an idea of damage and its degree.
- If there is significant decrease, nerve conduction studies and electromyography of concerned nerve and muscle can identify the damage and its type.
After this, the treatment of weakness can be given. Till then, continue the previously mentioned treatment.
I really hope she recovers.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr. Ishu Bishnoi, Neurologist, Surgica
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Answered by
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