incorrect diagnosis can impair rehab progress

[oramar]

The medical director of my unit whose speciality is rehabilitation medicine frequently finds himself correcting attending physicians incorrect diagnosis. Last night I had an interesting conversation with a neurologist who was called in to look at a patient that was being unsuccessfully treated for Parkinsons disease. She just was not making any progress on the Parkinsons medications and our doctor must have sensed something amiss. This neurologist specializes in Huntington's Chorea and he told me that the woman has a genetic condition called Senile Chorea. He said she could take the medicines she was on for Parkinsons till the cows came home and it would never help, matter of fact they could do some harm. He told me the Senile Chorea was a defect of the same gene that causes Huntington's and that is was a milder form that showed up later in life and did not progress the way Huntington's progresses. He said the later the gene manifested itself the less sever it would get. Here is the bomb shell. He said that the gene tended to get larger with successive generations that a hundred years or so down the line her decendants could actually come down with Huntington's. Anyway I thought this was all very intersting and would like some input from my fellow nurses on similar situations. Whether it rehab patients with incorrect diagnosis or information about the disease I am discussing here. PS The doctor said the only treatment availiable for this condition is Haldol. He said as a neurologist it is the only time he uses the drug these days.

[kids]

Very interesting oramar, thanks for sharing it.

[oramar]

The best thing about being a nurse as far as I am concerned is the fact that I never go through a shift without learning something new and interesting.

Very interesting oramar, thanks for sharing it.

[cargal]

The best thing about being a nurse as far as I am concerned is the fact that I never go through a shift without learning something new and interesting.

That is very interestihng. It sounds as if you like your job. I am now in rehab also. Pm me and maybe we can talk soon,

Carrie

[oramar]

That is very interestihng. It sounds as if you like your job. I am now in rehab also. Pm me and maybe we can talk soon,

Carrie

How are you Carrie, I just got home. I like this job allright but I feel like some one used me for a mop to clean the floors. I am exhausted. It is very hard work.