Episode 20: Cauda Equina Syndrome 
Host Jimmy McKay

Featured guest Bridget Ripa

Notes Alexis Lancaster
Cauda equina: “horse’s tail” 
 
What is it?

 	Injury to lumbar and sacral spinal nerve roots within the canal 

 
Presentation 

 	Variable lower extremity paralysis 
 	Sensory loss 
 	Bowel and bladder dysfunction 

 
Causes

 	Trauma, pelvic crush (MVA), child birth could precede it

 
Differential diagnosis 

 	Other spinal cord syndromes
 	Transverse myelitis 
 	MS
 	Spinal infarct
 	Spinal tumor 

 
Special tests

 	CT, MRI
 	Clinical presentation & mechanism of injury 

 
Treatment

 	Make sure they are managed medically first 
 	Bowel/bladder program 
 	Motor learning
 	Task-specific training
 	ICF model 
 	Weight-bearing 
 	Neuromuscular re-education 
 	Tone management 
 	FES
 	Aerobic training
 	Positioning
 	Bracing/splinting
 	Locomotion if applicable 
 	Keeping an eye on shoulder pain 
 	Allow compensation in this population when they need to 

How will it look on the test? 

 	Mechanism of injury and clinical presentation 
 	Bowel and bladder dysfunction will be present with cauda equina!

Neuro – Cauda Equina

An NPTE podcast for Physical Therapy students looking to get some extra time with test prep on the go. From the brewers of the PT Pintcast.

Medicine

Science & Medicine

Science

Health & Fitness

Life Sciences

You studied and passed the NPTE!CONGRATS!Um... now what?Our 3 hosts give you advice on what to do NOW that you did the thing you set out to do in the first place!Finding a jobNetworking Self Assessment

You Passed the NPTE! Now What?!

Welcome back to NPTE Studycast, your indispensable guide for mastering the NPTE! In this episode, we're diving deep into Parkinson's Disease—a subject crucial not just for the NPTE but also for your real-world clinical practice. Listen in to expand your understanding and enhance your skills in addressing this complex condition.

Explaining Parkinson's Disease

Rachele Burriesci of All Things Cardio Pulm (https://www.allthingscardiopulm.com/) dives into the essential topic of sublingual nitroglycerin, specifically tailored for physical therapy students gearing up for the NPTE (National Physical Therapy Examination) exam. Join us as we explore the ins and outs of this medication, its clinical applications, and its implications in the context of physical therapy practice.Episode Highlights:* Overview of sublingual nitroglycerin: We provide a comprehensive introduction to sublingual nitroglycerin, discussing its pharmacological properties, mechanism of action, and common indications.* Understanding angina and cardiovascular conditions: Learn about the pathophysiology of angina, different types of angina, and how sublingual nitroglycerin is utilized as a primary treatment for angina and other cardiovascular conditions.* Clinical considerations for physical therapists: Discover the role of physical therapists in managing patients who use sublingual nitroglycerin, including safety precautions, monitoring, and potential contraindications.* Interprofessional collaboration: Explore the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration when working with patients on sublingual nitroglycerin, highlighting the significance of effective communication and shared decision-making.* NPTE exam preparation tips: We provide valuable insights and strategies to help physical therapy students effectively study and master the topic of sublingual nitroglycerin for the NPTE exam.* In this episode, Dr. Burriesci breaks down sublingual nitroglycerin. She gives the need-to-know facts, safety considerations and important education tips for your patients.In This Episode* MOA of Sublingual Nitro* Indications of Nitro* Side effects of Nitro* How to take Nitro* 3 Rules of Nitro* Safety Considerations Find Dr. Burriesci on:IG: @all_things_cardiopulmWebsite: https://www.allthingscardiopulm.com (https://www.allthingscardiopulm.com)Podcast: Talking All Things CardiopulmTwitter: @allcardiopulm

Understanding SubLingual Nitroglycerin

Angina - It’s Not just chest painDive into understanding Angina with Dr. Rachele Burriesci, as she breaks down the pathophysiologic cause of angina, describes the 3 most common types and what you as a physical therapist should be aware of in its description in order to differentiate from other types of chest pain.In this episode:* Atherosclerosis* Define Angina* Describe Angina* 3 Types of Angina* How to differentiate AnginaFind Dr. Burriesci on:IG: @all_things_cardiopulmWebsite: https://www.allthingscardiopulm.com

Angina Explained: More Than Just Chest Pain!

In today's episode, we're going to talk about the key factors that every physical therapist should consider when looking for a new job.Keri Ammons, Director of Talent Acquisition at ATI explains that finding a place where you can grow with the company is essential. Look for a company that offers various paths within the organization to satisfy different interests. Whether it's IT, project management, research, or HR, there should be enough room for career growth.She also notes that the highest offer isn't always the best offer. While money is a significant factor, don't overlook other important things like a 401k, medical benefits, and time away. It's important to consider the entire package before accepting an offer.Mentorship is also critical in a new job. Keri encourages candidates to ask companies to define their mentorship program and if there's a structured approach. Knowing what mentorship means to you and what you're looking for is important in finding a company that aligns with your values.Finally, Keri talks about work-life balance. Patients need us to be flexible, and clinicians need to find a schedule that works for them. Whether it's getting out at 5 every day to make it to your rec softball league on Tuesday or working on Saturdays because that's when you have childcare, finding a work schedule that aligns with your needs is crucial.Keri ends the episode by highlighting that ATI PT is one of the leaders in clinical research within the PT profession. With all 900+ ATI clinics placing in the 100th percentile in CMS's Merit-Based Incentive Program for the second consecutive year, it's clear that ATI PT is a great place to work.If you're looking to jumpstart your career and join a team that values career growth, mentorship, work-life balance, and clinical research, head to ATIpt.com (www.atipt.com) to learn more about job opportunities at ATI.

Neuro – Cauda Equina

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