Month: June 2023
Shoulder Dystocia
During childbirth, an obstetrical emergency called “shoulder dystocia” can occur when the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone or sacrum (the bone at the back of the pelvis above the tailbone). When this happens, it prevents the baby from continuing through the birth canal and the baby becomes stuck inside the pelvis. This can cause serious complications for the baby and the mother if not handled properly. Causes and Risk Factors Shoulder dystocia is a relatively rare delivery complication. There are several common, interrelated risk factors, but there is no one certain cause. Factors that may increase...
read moreCauda Equina Syndrome
The collection of nerve roots at the bottom of your spinal cord are known as the “cauda equina” (which translates to “horse tail”). The cauda equina nerves are responsible for the motor and sensory function in the legs and bladder. They send and receive messages to and from the lower limbs and pelvic organs. When there is a dysfunction or compression on the cauda equina nerve roots, it can cause pain, weakness, and incontinence and is referred to as “cauda equina syndrome.” Although it is not life-threatening, cauda equina syndrome can permanently damage a person’s body and affect their health...
read moreAortic Dissection
The aorta is the largest and main artery of the human body. The wall of the aorta is made up of three layers: (1) the inner layer (intima), (2) the middle layer (media), and (3) the outer layer (adventitia). It extends from the base of the neck, down through the chest and abdomen, and branches off to two other arteries–the right and left common iliac arteries–just below the navel. The aorta pumps blood away from the heart and delivers oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. An aortic dissection is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate attention and...
read moreNeurogenic Bladder
The nerves and muscles of the urinary system work together to hold and release urine at the right time. Ordinarily, the nerves carry messages between the bladder and the spinal cord and brain telling the muscles in the bladder to tighten or release. However, in someone suffering from a neurogenic bladder, these nerves and muscles do not communicate and work together the way they should–causing issues with the storage and release of urine from the body. When a neurological condition affects the way someone’s bladder functions, it is referred to as a “neurogenic bladder.” These “neurological conditions” can be injuries...
read moreDeep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
There are two types of veins in the body: superficial veins and deep veins. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot develops in a “deep vein.” This can happen when the vein becomes damaged or if the blood flow within the vein slows down or stops. While superficial veins lie just below the skin’s surface, deep veins are located deep within the muscles and are not as easily accessible. DVT can occur in any deep vein, but most commonly occurs in the legs–typically in the upper thigh or calf. DVT can also occur in the arms and the...
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