Nerve Compression Syndromes

This paper presents a case of conversion disorder characterized by sensory paralysis that involved the right half of the body, a motor deficit consisting of permanent contracture in flexion of fingers 2-5 of the right hand (clenched fist syndrome), and a visual alteration compatible with homonymous hemianopia and amblyopia. The patient initially presented a clinical picture of depression as well as frequent gynecological disorders. The author evaluates important aspects of the psychogenesis of the clinical picture and emphasizes the identifying aspects and primary and secondary gains.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effects of Pizhen for the treatment of thoracic lateral cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a serious therapeutic problem and it considerably impairs the patients' quality of life. Despite many studies, the effectiveness of conservative treatment is still debatable. This study aimed to evaluate the immediate and long-term effects of conservative treatment involving ultrasound therapy combined with massage and kinesiotherapy for carpal tunnel syndrome.

A case of labyrinthine failure due to trauma to the cervical vertebrae and its successful chiropractic management is reported. Various pathogenic theories are discussed, and the chiropractic theory explained.

Nystagmus together with the history, X-ray and palpation findings were used to confirm the diagnosis of the cervical spine syndrome. In patients with this disorder the nystagmus was controlled by manual treatment in 63%. Nystagmus therefore can be used objectively to assess the success of therapy in cervical spine syndrome.

The pathogenesis of the cervical syndrome as seen in the speciality of Oto-rhino-laryngology is explained, and the possibility for its successful treatment through chiropractic medicine is described.

Meralgia paresthetica, a neuritis of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, appears to be usually a nerve entrapment syndrome but may also arise from other nerve insults or neuropathies. This paper reviews the anatomy of the affected nerve, differential diagnosis of the condition and the available treatments from conservative to surgical. The authors suggest that, because of failure to recognize it, the condition may be more prevalent than has been assumed, and they propose a role for chiropractic care in the sequence of management.

The Lateral Recess Syndrome (LRS) represents stenosis of the lateral subarticular gutter that will often lead to nerve root compression. The most common etiology is hypertrophy of the superior articular facets, associated with lumbar instability and arthrosis of the posterior joint complex. The diagnosis may be made clinically with a routine lumbosacral x-ray series, but is not definitive without the use of CT scanning. Recent studies indicate that spinal manipulation can provide relief and should be considered before surgical referral is made for decompression.

Spinal stenosis is a loosely used term meaning different things to different people. A clinical picture of episodic sciatic pain and a normal physical examination usually confronts the physician. Various anatomic lesions can produce traction and compression of spinal nerve roots. The pathophysiology of the compression and the resultant ischemia of spinal nerve roots is discussed. Accurate diagnosis may allow conservative care, including manipulation, to be utilized prior to surgical consideration.

Many patients with low back pain demonstrate pelvic symptomatology attributable to lower sacral nerve root compression. Lower sacral nerve root compression has been identified as a cause of pelvic pain and pelvic organ dysfunction. Pelvic symptomatology secondary to lower sacral nerve root compression is given. Lower sacral nerve root compression is most commonly the result of lumbosacral disc lesion. A case of low back pain accompanied with pelvic symptomatology is presented along with its response to distractive manipulation.