Neurological Disorders
Spinal Cord Disorders
Patients Misunderstand Written Screening Tests - [10/14/08]
Summary: The majority of physicians require patients to answer written questions while in the waiting room to visit the doctor. However, a new survey has revealed the gap between doctors and patients in the process of answering the written questions. Because of the difference in literacy between patients and physicians, most patients are confused, or don't understand most of the questions. According to Dr. Master, one of the authors of this survey, the predominant reason for this is illiteracy.
Comment: Illiteracy is becoming more common in American which is causing great problems to physicians. Not only is there a problem with illiteracy but also with patients who are innumerate. By answering the surveys to the best of your abilities, you will receive better diagnosis or treatment of spinal cord disorders.
Read article - Medical News TODAY October 14, 2008
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Internet Consulted More Often Than Doctors - [10/12/08]
Summary: New market research shows that over the past year more adults went to the internet to get health information than consulted a doctor. This trend may likely be the product of an increasing consumer comfort in using the web to find reliable medical information. In addition, rising costs of healthcare coverage and visits to the doctor may be adding to the preference for first looking for information online.
Comment: The impacts of this trend, as well as others, will be discussed in an online seminar entitled "Is TV Dead? How the New New Media Changes Pharmaceutical DTC Advertising". The event is scheduled for October 14th at 11am EST and October 16th at 3pm EST.
Read article - Medical News Today. October 12, 2008.
Read article - Register for the Seminar
Vitamin D Linked to Overall Health - [10/10/08]
Summary: Vitamin D has been linked to improved overall health. This vitamin affects 36 organ tissues in the body including bone marrow, breast, colon, intestine, kidney, lung, prostate, retina, skin, stomach and uterus tissues. It has also been linked to improving immune systems, insulin secretion, heart health, blood pressure, muscle, brain activity, and decreased risk of cancer. For most adults 200-600 IU of daily vitamin D is recommended, but some experts recommend up to 2000 IU daily.
Comment: Vitamin D has previously been thought to improve bone health, but this study shows that it can affect all areas of health. By increased intake of vitamin D people with spinal cord disorders can experience improved health.
Read article - Medical News TODAY October 10, 2008
Medicare Eliminates Coverage for 10 "Reasonably Preventable" Errors - [10/02/08]
Summary: New regulations, which will take effect next Wednesday, have Medicare halting payment for 10 errors which they have deemed "conditions that could reasonably have been prevented." Expected to affect hundreds of thousands, the new rules will mostly likely not result in a major reduction in expenses.
Comment: This new decision comes on the heels of announcements by four state Medicaid organizations last year in which they eliminated 28 "never events", preventable errors, from coverage. The trend seems to be growing and could have negative ramifications for millions of Americans. Among others, healthcare professionals have begun expressing concern about the decision.
Read article - Medical News Today. October 2, 2008.
Nanoparticles Used as Treatment for Spine Injuries - [10/02/08]
Summary: A team at Purdue University has developed a method of using nanoparticles to deliver treatment to target and repair injured spinal cords. In trials tested on guinea pigs, the group coated nanoparticles with a polymer and hydralazine and guided them to regions with secondary damage. The polymer, called PEG (polyethylene glycol) was developed specifically to target damaged cells and seal injured areas.
Comment: The ultimate goal of this study is to improve the quality of life of those who have sustained head or spine injuries. Eventually, the hope is that the treatment will reach a level of success at which all ambulances would be able to carry nanoparticles with PEG.
Read article - Science Daily. October 2, 2008.
Pivotal Trial for Freedom Lumbar Disc - [10/01/08]
Summary: The AxioMed Spine Corporation has initiated a pivotal clinical trial for its new device, the Freedom Lumbar Disc. As an elastomeric total disc replacement device, the Freedom Lumbar Disc has been created for the restoration of spinal function. It is currently the only elastomeric total disc replacement device to complete a multi-center pilot study in the European Union and enter pivotal trials. There will be trials held in both the EU and the USA.
Comment: The disc has been described as "a viscoelastic one-piece, next generation total disc replacement, featuring a polymer core and... designed with the goal of restoring the natural function of the spine, thereby reducing pain and disability". It is yet unknown how soon the device would become available.
Read article - Medical News Today. October 1, 2008.
Efforts to Reduce Ethnic and Racial Disparities - [09/29/08]
Summary: This article outlines current efforts are being made to reduce racial and ethnic health care disparities. These include the Respira program, which focuses on providing asthma education and outreach to Hispanic communities. Another program is a lecture that seeks to improve knowledge of blood pressure management and diabetes. Other efforts involve grants to increase levels of minority students in medical programs, and campaigns to increase medical literacy in minority communities.
Comment: Racial and ethnic disparities exist in most areas of medical care including spinal cord disorders. These disparities can often be dangerous to the health of minority people. These programs are aiming to close the gaps in health care, which can result in better care for people with spinal cord disorders.
Read article - Medical News TODAY September 29, 2008
Safety Gaps During Sign Out - [09/22/08]
Summary: Patients may experienced lower quality of care during sign outs, which is the transfer of a patients during a shift change. Researchers used oral sign-outs and written sign-outs to compare to reports of subsequent errors. It was found that doctors are often more confused about the patient information rather than factual details. Examples of such problems are doctors not fully understanding the clinical condition, or doctors not knowing the reasoning behind a test.
Comment: It is suggested that sign-out procedures become a part of medical school curriculum to raise the quality of patient care. Patients should also be aware that after and during a sign-out their doctors may not be fully informed about their conditions and test. Being able to close these safety gaps at sign-out can allow patients to receive the best care possible.
Read article - HealthNewsDigest.com September 22, 2008
More Americans Seeking Health Information - [08/22/08]
Summary: Recent statistics show that in 2007 56% of Americans adults, which is more than 122 million people, attempted to find information about a personal health concern from a source other than their physician. This statistic is up from 38% in 2001. Education levels were a key factor in determining whether a person sought medical information, 72% of those with a graduate degree compared to 42% of those with only a high school diploma. The number of Americans using the internet for medical information doubled from 16% in 2001 to 32% in 2007.
Comment: More than half of the people reported that the information changed their general approach to their health care, and 80% reported that the information helped them better understand treatments of their condition or illness. Doctors are always a good source of medical information, but it can often be hard to consult a doctor with every concern. Finding more information on medical conditions, such as spinal cord disorders, can help patients better understand their health.
Read article - HealthNewsDigest.com August 22, 2008
New Book Series Aimed at Patients and Caregivers - [08/22/08]
Summary: The American Academy of Neurology, to follow up the success of Neurology Now (an award-winning patient and caregiver magazine), is planning to release, next year, a series of Neurology Now Books. Currently there are titles planned to address multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, and taste and smell disorders. In addition, a fourth publication is planned for later that year.
Comment: The magazine, Neurology Now, offers cutting-edge information on neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, migraines, and Parkinson's disease, among others. These books will offer the same kind of information to an even greater number of the one in six people now affected with a neurological disorder.
Read article - The American Academy of Neurology. August 22, 2008.