Pathophysiology & Symptomology of Migraine Headaches

November 10, 2016 by Sian Smale

I'm sure you are all aware that different headache types exist as different clinical entities, but do you know the distinct features of each that aid in our differential diagnosis? Do you know what mechanisms underlie the headache felt in a migraine and what an aura actually is?

The purpose for this blog is to delve deeper into the specifics of primary headaches such as migraine with and without aura and TTH with the aim of better differentiating them from other headache types and recognising red flags.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

August 23, 2016 by Sian Smale

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common entrapment neuropathy of the upper limb and often considered in the differential diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome and cervical radiculopathy. Understanding the cardinal clinical signs is paramount in assessment as there is no set criteria for diagnosis. This blog explores the presentation, assessment and neurodynamic treatments for this condition.

Pancoast Tumour & Red Flags for the Upper Limb

July 05, 2016 by Sian Smale

When a patient presents with arm pain, paraesthesia and weakness, you may first suspect cervical radiculopathy. In the rare and more sinister cases however, a Pancoast tumour may be present. This blog reviews the clinical presentation and diagnostic work up of a patient with neck and shoulder pain.

Seronegative spondyloarthropathies & inflammatory low back pain - Part 2

April 08, 2016 by Sian Smale

Part 2 reviews the definition and diagnosis of seronegative spondyloarthropathies and inflammatory low back pain. It then continues to explore aspects of assessment, treatment and medical imaging more deeply. What drug therapies are involved? What is the gold standard for medical imaging? How should we adjust our treatments for this spectrum of low back pain disorders? All are valid questions to consider.

Seronegative spondyloarthropathies & inflammatory low back pain - Part 1

April 01, 2016 by Sian Smale

Spondyloarthropathies are a group of related, but phenotypically distinct inflammatory disorders, including ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, enteropathic arthritis (also known as irritable bowel disease), and undifferentiated arthritis. One of the main clinical features of each of these conditions is inflammatory low back pain. This 2-part blog discusses the difference between the seronegative spondyloarthropathies and what features are indicative of inflammatory low back pain.

Deciphering the driving mechanisms in chronic low back pain

September 24, 2015 by Sian Smale

When it comes to discussing the diagnosis of low back pain (LBP) there are times when it is really hard to put a label on pain because it is hard to say is it one specific thing. Such a blurry diagnosis. In fact 85-90% of people with LBP are in this category making the blurry diagnosis the majority. The O'Sullivan system is a framework that aims to identify the main drivers and mechanisms of pain and dysfunction. Where movement is associated with pain, the classification considers if the movement is protective or maladaptive? This blog is all about this framework, breaking it down step by step, to help others see how using this classification system makes a complex pain disorder less complicated.