Neurological And Musculoskeletal Pathophysiologic Processes
A 64-year-old male presents to the clinic with complaints of gradual onset of weakness to the left hand. He is left hand dominant. He has had ongoing numbness and tingling that feels as though it starts at his elbow. However, over the past 2-3 days he had been dropping items due to the weakness. He denies any recent injuries but states that he sustained a crushing injury to the left thumb 4 years ago. He is employed as a mechanic. Several years ago, he tripped over a tire and fell backwards, striking his head on the fender of a car. He didn’t seek medical attention because he only had a small scrape on his elbow. A CT of the head is within normal limits and all labs are normal with the exception of a slightly elevated, non-fasting blood sugar (135). He has no history of diabetes. An x-ray of the neck reveals mild-to-moderate degenerative disc disease at C6-C7 with neuroforaminal narrowing and slight impingement of the exiting nerve root.
In your Case Study Analysis related to the scenario provided, explain the following:
Introduction
Both the neurological and musculoskeletal pathophysiologic processes would account for the patient presenting these symptoms.
Any racial/ethnic variables that may impact physiological functioning.
How these processes interact to affect the patient.
Conclusion
Sample Solution
The patient is a 64-year-old male who presents with complaints of gradual onset of weakness to the left hand. He is left hand dominant and has had ongoing numbness and tingling that feels as though it starts at his elbow. He denies any recent injuries but states that he sustained a crushing injury to the left thumb 4 years ago. He is employed as a mechanic.Full Answer Section
Introduction The patient is a 64-year-old male who presents with complaints of gradual onset of weakness to the left hand. He is left hand dominant and has had ongoing numbness and tingling that feels as though it starts at his elbow. He denies any recent injuries but states that he sustained a crushing injury to the left thumb 4 years ago. He is employed as a mechanic. Several years ago, he tripped over a tire and fell backwards, striking his head on the fender of a car. He didn't seek medical attention because he only had a small scrape on his elbow. A CT of the head is within normal limits and all labs are normal with the exception of a slightly elevated, non-fasting blood sugar (135). He has no history of diabetes. An x-ray of the neck reveals mild-to-moderate degenerative disc disease at C6-C7 with neuroforaminal narrowing and slight impingement of the exiting nerve root. Neurological and musculoskeletal pathophysiologic processes The neurological and musculoskeletal pathophysiologic processes that would account for the patient presenting these symptoms are as follows:- Neurological: The patient is likely experiencing a pinched nerve in his neck, which is causing the numbness and tingling in his left hand. The pinching of the nerve is likely due to the degenerative disc disease at C6-C7. This condition can cause the disc to bulge out and put pressure on the nerve root, which can result in pain, numbness, and weakness in the arm.
- Musculoskeletal: The patient may also be experiencing some muscle weakness in his left hand due to the crushing injury he sustained to his thumb 4 years ago. This injury may have damaged the nerves that control the muscles in his hand, which can lead to weakness and decreased sensation.