Football shoulder and neck injury: a study of the "stinger"

Twenty football players with preliminary diagnosis of "stinger" were examined and treated. Of the 12 on whom EMGs were performed, all but one were proven to have C6 radiculopathy rather than lateral stretch of brachial plexus. Most frequent mode of injury was neck flexion during tackling by a linebacker. Athletes should not return to competition until abnormal neurologic signs disappear.     

飞行员海蛰螫伤1例

王某，男，27岁。歼6飞行员，飞行时间600小时。1999年9月10日来我院保健疗养。9月16日游泳训练时不慎被海蛰螫伤颜面部、前胸及左臂，即感上述部位针刺样疼痛，有烧灼感，立即上岸进行救治。查体：面部、前胸及左臂皮肤发红，可见条索状荨麻疹样皮疹。     

The "stat" problem

"Stat" testing is a major asset and a major liability of the hospital laboratory. The ability to perform critically important tests in large numbers with great speed and with reliable precision and accuracy has developed to a remarkable degree. Nonetheless, the demand for "stat" service so outstrips the supply in most hospitals that delivery of this service often falls short of the expectations of the physicians who order the tests with disturbing frequency.     

The "new" marijuana

Synthetic cannabinoid-induced toxicity is increasing in frequency across the US, with more than 1057 reported cases as of August 2010. There is a paucity of literature on synthetic cannabinoid toxicity; however, there are various reports of adverse effects including tachycardia, hypertension, tachypnea, chest pain, heart palpitations, hallucinations, racing thoughts, and seizures. While reports suggest that toxic symptoms last no longer than 3-4 hours, with no residual adverse effects in many cases, there is concern about serious acute and long-term toxicities. This article reviews the development, abuse, toxicity, treatment, and legal status of synthetic cannabinoids. It is important for health-care professionals to recognize and appropriately treat synthetic cannabinoid-induced toxicity.     

The "bedsheet" Babinski

BACKGROUND: Babinski's reflex (dorsiflexion of the hellus and fanning of the toes in response to plantar stimulation) is a classic sign in neurology. Although typically elicited by stroking the plantar surface of the foot with a firm object, other means of obtaining the response have been described. METHODS: We assessed the frequency of the Babinski response after plantar stimulation by exposing the feet by removal of the bedsheet or socks in 10 patients with neurologic disease and 10 control subjects. These results were compared with those obtained by traditional means of stimulation. RESULTS: We found a high correlation between the two responses (sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 90%). CONCLUSION: Although this study is small and requires a larger study to verify its accuracy, it appears that simple observation of the toe response at the time that the feet are exposed frequently provides evidence of pyramidal tract dysfunction.