1.30.2013

New PA Student Site

Check out the new microsite dedicated to PA Students! I was part of the team that worked hard to put this together and the AAPA was an integral part of giving us the funding to get this up and running. It is a "one stop shop" that was created BY PA students FOR PA students!

Check it out. Write a blog entry for the site. Submit a new scholarship that you found that is relevant. The continued success of the site is dependent on YOU the PA student to help keep it alive with content!

See the About Us section to know where to send your content!




1.08.2013

Brown-Sequard syndrome

Brown-Sequard... Jekyll-Hyde.... that's kind of how I remember what it is. Two different sides to the spinal cord, one good (uninjured) and one bad (injured). Brown-Sequard syndrome is characteristically seen in penetrating injuries (but can be seen in unilateral blunt injuries as well). The syndrome results in one side of the spinal cord being injured.

What do you see clinically?
Motor, position, and vibration are gone on the SAME side as the injured spinal cord (these tracts cross at the brainstem)
Pain and temperature are gone on the OPPOSITE side of the injured spinal cord (these tracts cross at the cord at or near the level of innervation)

http://nhananhana.wordpress.com/2010/01/28/brown-sequard-syndrome/
What to do clinically?
The diagnosis is generally made clinically based on hx and physical. This warrants a neurosurgical or orthopedic consult and MRI if requested. Lastly, studies have shown that high doses of steriods (methylprednisolone) decreases inflammation by suppressing polymorphonuclear leukocytes and reversing increased capillary permeability.




Sources: 
1.http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/791539-workup#a0720
2.Abernathy's Surgical Secrets by Harken and Moore

1.01.2013

Do You Use Social Media?

Do you use social media personally or professionally? If the answer is yes to either, you should check out this recent JAAPA article on social media. As we all know, anything that goes up on the internet has an infinite lifespan. Think about protecting your personal life and career...


http://www.socialable.co.uk/