Med Sci Exam 3

Autoimmune Diseases

RA, JIA, Lupus

Degenerative

wear and tear osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis

• autoimmune- body attacks joints

• lining grows abnormally and damages cartilage/bone

• symptoms: pain, swelling, morning stiffness, fatigue

• long-term symptoms: finger drift, swan neck,
  boutonnière

• OT Role: splints, energy saving, joint
  protection

Juvenile Ideopathic Arthritis

• similar to RA, but begins before age 16

• OT role: keep kids active, support schoolwork, use splints

Osteoarthritis

• wear and tear arthritis

• Cartilage thins (chondropenia), joints grind (crepitus)

• Symptoms: stiffness after sitting, pain, grinding

• OT role: pacing activities, adaptive tools, exercise support.

Fibromyalgia

• Chronic pain all over

• Tired, poor sleep, brain fog

• Often linked to stress

• OT role: pacing, stress management, sleep hygiene, support groups.

  
  
  

Gout

• Caused by hyperuricemia (too much uric acid)

• Crystals form in joints → sudden
  painful attacks

• Most often in big toe

• OT role: flare management, joint protection, lifestyle advice.

Systemic Lupus Erythamatus

• Autoimmune disease affecting many organs

• Symptoms: fatigue, rash, arthritis, organ issues

• OT role: managing fatigue, balancing roles, psychosocial support

Medical Emergencies

joint infection, severe flare

Complete Spinal Cord Injury

Total loss of motor and sensory below the injury

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

partial preservation of function

Scale used to clarify SCI severity

ASIA impairment

Anterior Cord Syndrome

Loss of motor + pain/temp below injury; intact proprioception

Brown-Sequard Syndrome

Ipsilateral motor loss, contralateral sensory loss

Central Cord Syndrome

Arm weakness > legs (disproportionate
motor impairment)

Cauda Equina Syndrome

Flaccid paralysis, bowel/bladder dysfunction

Posterior Cord Syndrome

Loss of proprioception & vibration; intact motor & pain/temp

Spinal Shock

Flaccid paralysis, absent reflexes (1-3 months)

Respiratory complications

leading cause of SCI related death

Autonomic Dysreflexia

T6 and above

Signs & Symptoms:
– Sudden, pounding headache
– Flushed skin and sweating above
level of injury
– Goosebumps
– High blood pressure (hypertension)
– Slow heart rate after initial spike

Heterotopic Ossification

Abnormal formation of bone tissue in muscles or soft tissues after SCI or TBI

Assistive Technology and DME

• Wheelchairs (manual/powered), standing frames

• Exoskeletons (increasing accessibility by 2025)

• Adaptive driving technology

• Smart home integration & voice-activated systems

• Transfer boards, grab bars, custom seating
  
  

Closed Fracture

bone breaks, skin in tact

Open/Compound Fracture

bone breaks through skin

Comminuted Fracture

bone shatters in pieces

Transverse Fracture

different break angles

Greenstick Fracture

partial break in children

Distal Radius Fracture

• caused be a FOOSH

• often seen in older adults with osteoporosis or active younger people

Scaphoid Fracture

• common in young adults after a FOOSH injury

• OT Implications:
  • Immobilization with a thumb spica cast or
  orthosis.
  • Prolonged stiffness in thumb and wrist.
  • Emphasize pain-free movement, avoid
  forceful grip early on.