A traumatic injury to the brain that alters mental status or causes other symptoms is called a concussion. If they have not lost consciousness many people assume they do not have a concussion. The fact is that significant injury can occur without losing consciousness in many cases. Boxers, wrestlers and football players often say "I just got my bell rung" when a blow to the head causes ringing in the ears. However, those symptoms are often consistent with concussion. A concussion may, if left undiagnosed, place an athlete at risk of developing second impact syndrome. This is a potentially fatal injury that occurs when an athlete sustains a second head injury before a previous head injury has completely healed.
Treatment of concussion varies from patient to patient and pharmacological treatment is targeted at the particular symptomatology of the concussive episode. No one medication specifically treats concussion and many have associated side effects. Mixtures of Vitamins such as B2, Magnesium, and fish oil may also be used before beginning true pharmacological drugs as this combination has been successful in relieving headaches in migraine patients.
At such time when the athlete is symptom free, not taking any medication for symptom control, and has normal cognitive levels evidenced by computer neurocognitive testing can the athlete be placed on a return-to-activity protocol as concussion is treated symptomatically. Treatment goals are to control symptoms, prevent the cumulative effects of concussion, prevent Second Impact Syndrome, and prevent Post-Concussion Syndrome. The primary care of first line treatment is mental and physical rest that includes refraining from things that can challenge the vestibular and cognitive system such as texting, video games or long periods of reading. Every individual patient will have a treatment plan tailored to their needs.
A health care physician may conduct several tests to evaluate your thinking (cognitive) skills during a neurological examination. Testing may evaluate several factors, including your concentration, memory and ability to recall information. People with symptoms such as severe headaches, seizures, repeated vomiting or symptoms that are becoming worse may be recommended for brain imaging. A brain imaging scan may discover whether the injury is severe and has caused bleeding or swelling in your skull.
The standard test to assess the brain right after injury is a cranial computerized tomography (CT) scan. The CT scan uses a series of X-rays to obtain cross-sectional images of your skull and brain. To identify changes in your brain or to diagnose complications that may occur after a concussion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used. The MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of your brain.
The increasing awareness of concussions in sport are an area of much discussion. Without doubt it is imperative that individuals with a suspected concussion are removed from play until they can be medically evaluated and do not return until they are cleared to do so. Thankfully the good news is that most people recover well following a concussion when managed appropriately. Full awareness of the signs and symptoms of concussion, and the appropriate initial management when a concussion may have occurred, are of utmost importance for each patient.
Phone: 352-237-4133
Fax: 352-873-4581
A metabolic bone disorder in which bone tissue breaks down, making bone become increasingly fragile, leading to an increasing risk of fracture is known as Osteoporosis. This affliction (and osteopenia, which refers to low bone density in general), can affect people of all ages. It has been observed that bone loss in adolescence and early adulthood can be a result of a failure to attain peak bone mineral density. Also, accelerated bone loss may be particularly noted around menopause and in later years. There are many factors, including one's diet and an absence of proper exercise, that significantly contribute to bone loss during these periods. Bone loss can also occur as a result of numerous underlying conditions, many of which are often not readily apparent during the course of a doctor visit.
Even though bones may seem like hard and lifeless structures, they are in fact living tissue. In our bodies bone is constantly broken down and remodeled (through a process called bony resorption), while new bone is at the same time deposited. Low bone mass (osteopenia) and osteoporosis can occur when bone is broken down faster than it is deposited. The bony building blocks of the spine (vertebrae) can begin to collapse as osteoporosis progresses over a period of time. These collapsed vertebrae may be felt as severe back pain or cause a loss of height or spinal deformities.
Your doctor may start by measuring your height to see if you have gotten shorter if he thinks you might have osteoporosis. In many cases the bones of the spine are often the first ones affected by the condition, as it can change how tall you are. If testing proves that you have osteoporosis, you have many options for treating the condition and strengthening your bones to prevent fractures. You should talk to your doctor about what is most likely to help you.
To determine your condition a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test is used to detect bone loss in its early stages (osteopenia), diagnose osteoporosis, determine risk for future fracture, and monitor bone changes associated with treatment. Be aware that there are a number of reliable tests for measuring mineral density. The BMD test you take will be a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA) test. This test is always safe, non-invasive and painless and is the most reliable diagnostic tool used to check bone density throughout your body.
Your healthcare provider may order laboratory and other tests if you are diagnosed with osteoporosis. Together all these tests can help your healthcare provider find out if you have another medical condition causing bone loss. Your doctor's medical evaluation to determine the presence of osteoporosis and estimate your risk of breaking a bone may involve one or more types of diagnostic testing. Some other tests that may be used to evaluate bone health but are not used to diagnose osteoporosis include bone scans, x-rays, biochemical marker tests, and vertebral fracture assessments (VFAs).
Phone: 352-237-4133
Fax: 352-873-4581
The study and treatment of disorders of the heart and the blood vessels is known as cardiology. An individual with heart disease or cardiovascular disease may be referred to a cardiologist. Be aware that cardiology is a branch of internal medicine. A cardiologist is not the same as a cardiac surgeon, as a cardiac surgeon opens the chest and performs heart surgery.Im medical practice a cardiologist specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the cardiovascular system. Generally speaking cardiologists will carry out tests, and they may do some procedures, such as heart catheterizations, angioplasty, or inserting a pacemaker. Heart disease relates specifically to the heart, while cardiovascular disease affects the heart, the blood vessels, or both.
Becoming a cardiologist in the United States takes a lot of time, it is necessary to complete 4 years of medical school, 3 years of training in internal medicine, and at least 3 years specializing in cardiology. All cardiologists receive extensive education, including four years of medical school and three years of training in general internal medicine. Furthermore after this is completed, a cardiologist spends three or more years in specialized training. All of that adds up to ten or more years of training.After examining you if your general medical doctor feels that you might have a significant heart or related condition, he or she will often call on a cardiologist for help. If there are specific symptoms like dizzy spells, shortness of breath, or chest pains often special testing may be required. In some cases heart murmurs or ECG changes need the evaluation of a cardiologist. Cardiologists can help victims of heart disease return to full and useful lives and also counsel patients about the risks and prevention of heart disease.
Cardiology is a vital specialty as most importantly, cardiologists are involved in the treatment of heart attacks, heart failure, and serious heart rhythm disturbances. The cardiologists' unique skills and training are required whenever decisions are made about procedures such as balloon angioplasty, cardiac catheterization, or heart surgery.Wherever the check-up takes place, he or she will review your medical history and perform a physical examination. This evaluation may include checking your blood pressure, weight, heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Certain conditions and problems may be diagnosed by your symptoms and the doctor’s findings when you are examined.It is possible that you may need additional tests such as an ECG, blood test or x-rays. Some conditions might require more specialized testing. Each patient’s case is unique and it is possible that your cardiologist may recommend lifestyle changes or medicine.
At OFMC, we provide comprehensive Cardiology services, testing and treatments. Whether you have been diagnosed with a cardiovascular condition or are just looking for a Cardiologist, we can meet all of your needs. Dr. James London, M.D. is our Board Certified Cardiologist.
Phone: 352-237-4133
Fax: 352-873-4581
A health professional who focuses mainly on treating spine conditions is known as a spine specialist. Some common spine specialists include chiropractors, physiatrists, physical therapists, orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, pain management physicians, anesthesiologists, and many rheumatologists and neurologists. Who you choose as the most appropriate type of health care professional — or team of professionals — largely depends on the nature, severity, and duration of your symptoms.
Numerous medical specialties exist for a person with spine pain, and unless you understand the various types, picking out the one (or ones) who can treat you effectively can quickly become overwhelming. When your neck or back pain first starts, your family doctor or GP is probably your best bet.She may prescribe some pain killers, give you a few exercises to do and possibly send you to a physical therapist. If she deems your problem a serious one, she'll likely order diagnostic tests and/or refer you on to a specialist such as a rheumatologist or neurologist.
Research shows that family doctors can be slow to include new back treatments as they come out, according to a 2006 study published in Spine Journal. Other than taking your medical history and giving you a physical exam, which are two staples of spine diagnosis, the study found that even as new recommendations were published by leading medical organization, physicians did not adopt them into their practices. The wide array of back-pain treatment choices can be daunting, suggests Penney Cowan, executive director of the American Chronic Pain Association. "There is no road map that says turn left here and then turn right here," says Cowan.
To find the right type of doctor for you, look for someone who can offer the full range of treatment options for your chronic or back pain. If your doctor is unable or unwilling to offer you further treatment options, ask for a referral to a surgeon or pain management specialist—or, find a specialist in your area now. It is possible that When you research treatment options for your back or chronic pain, your medical team could include some or all of these healthcare professionals: Physical or Occupational Therapist, Primary Care Doctor, Pain Management Specialist, and Surgeon.
Records indicate that there are a growing number of spine physicians specializing in treating spinal disorders, and many have completed additional fellowship training in spine medicine. You should be aware of the fact that no single type of physician treats all types of back pain or neck pain. Whereas some types of pain may respond to manual treatments like chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation or physical therapy, others could respond better to medical treatments like medications, injections, surgery.
Concerning spine care, if the condition is not improving in a few weeks, or especially if you also have radiating arm or leg pain, then a specialist is the only way to go. All spine specialists, both surgical and nonsurgical, spend the majority of their time diagnosing and treating spinal disorders. That wealth of knowledge and experience can only be be beneficial to you as a patient. The right early treatment can lead to a faster, more complete recovery.
Board Certified Primary Care providers are trained to care for you through all stages of life. Focused on building an on-going relationship, they help you stay well, treat you when you are sick and educate you on prevention and wellness to keep you and your family healthy.
Phone: 352-237-4133
Fax: 352-873-4581
