Is Klippel Feil Syndrome A Disability

Things You Should Know About Klippel Feil Syndrome

Klippel Feil syndrome is a rare disease that affects the development of bones in the spine. According to the National Institute of Health, its a congenital condition consisting of an abnormal fusion of at least two spinal bones.

People with Klippel Feil syndrome often have a shorter neck, a low hairline or restricted movement of the upper back. Experts say it is usually not hereditary and there is no known cause, however, some families may have a genetic alteration of the GDF6, GDF3 or MEOX1 gene.

Diagnosis of Klippel Feil syndrome involves a series of imaging tests that can include X-rays, an MRI or CT scan. Studies suggest that KFS occurs in 1 in 41,000 people, although another study showed the incidence could be nearly double.

Our contributor, Sharon Rose Nissley, shared her story after doctors diagnosed her with the condition at the age of 38. Nissley said she deals with frequent pain that can make it hard to sit or stand. She emphasizes theres a lack of understanding about the syndrome due to its rarity and consequently lack of research and treatments.

I couldnt find physicians who understood my needs or the urgency to fix the issues, Nissley wrote. I soon learned nobody else I talked to with KFS could either. Parents and patients were lost and lonely trying to find relief and answers.

Here are five things you should know about Klippel Feil syndrome:

What Happens If You Eat Whole Cloves

However, in excessive amounts, cloves can cause hypoglycemia, where your blood sugar levels are too low. Essential Oil Toxicity. Clove essential oil contains a much higher dose of eugenol than whole or ground cloves do. Consuming pure clove oil can be toxic and lead to symptoms such as dizziness or even coma.

Is It Safe To Eat Raw Cloves

It is safe to eat a clove of garlic as long as you are not allergic to it. However, you must be aware that it has a strong pungent smell that may give you garlicky breath. Also, having a large amount of garlic at once may give you a burning sensation inside the mouth, heartburn, gases, and loose motions.

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Is Congenital Cervical Spinal Stenosis Hereditary

Spinal stenosis may have a genetic component. Recent research has identified potential genetic links to spinal stenosis. While stenosis itself likely cannot be inherited, researchers have found that some peoples genes may put them at higher risk of developing a narrow spinal canal or vertebral foramina.

Does Spinal Stenosis Go Away

Spinal stenosis cant be cured but responds to treatment Unfortunately, nothing can stop the progression of spinal stenosis, since it is due to daily wear and tear said Dr. Hennenhoefer. The symptoms of spinal stenosis typically respond to conservative treatments, including physical therapy and injections.

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Special Considerations For Treating Kfs

When treating KFS, a thorough medical evaluation must be performed to check for other conditions and abnormalities. Some treatments for KFS may not be an option if other serious conditions are present. For example, if heart and lung abnormalities are present and make general anesthesia a much higher risk, treatments that involve general anesthesia may need to be avoided or only performed as a last resort.

Iv Standard Of Review

The Court’s review of the Commissioner’s determination is limited to two inquiries. See42 U.S.C. § 405. First, the Court determines whether the Commissioner applied the correct legal standard. See Tejada v. Apfel, 167 F.3d 770, 773 Balsamo v. Chater, 142 F.3d 75, 79 Cruz v. Sullivan, 912 F.2d 8, 11 Shane v. Chater, No. 96-CV-66, 1997 WL 426203, at *4 ). Second, the Court must determine whether the Commissioner’s findings are supported by substantial evidence in the administrative record. See Tejada, 167 F.3d at 773 Balsamo, 142 F.3d at 79 Cruz, 912 F.2d at 11 Rutherford v. Schweiker, 685 F.2d 60, 62 . A Commissioner’s finding will be deemed conclusive if supported by substantial evidence. See42 U.S.C. § 405 see also Perez, 77 F.3d at 46 Townley v. Heckler, 748 F.2d 109, 112 .

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Spinal fusion surgery is often recommended for people suffering from broken vertebrae, spinal weakness, spinal deformities, and chronic lower back pain. Other conditions that cause instability in the spine, such as degenerative disk disease, arthritis, or scoliosis, can require spinal fusions as well.

As the name suggests, spinal fusion surgery involves fusing together two or more spinal vertebrae using bone graft material with rods, plates, or screws to hold the vertebrae and graft in place. As the bone graft heals, the vertebrae become permanently connected and immobilized.

A successful spinal fusion surgery can improve spinal stability and relieve chronic back pain. But a spinal fusion procedure typically requires many months of recovery, frequently with a back brace, and positive results are not guaranteed. Risks from spinal fusion surgery include spinal cord damage, graft rejection, increased back pain, and infection.

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Limited Cervical Spine Mobility

Limited cervical spine mobility may be caused by congenital or acquired disorders. The two congenital disorders that limit the mobility of the cervical spine are Klippel-Feil syndrome and Goldenhar’s syndrome.

aKlippel-Feil Syndrome

Klippel-Feil syndrome is characterized by fusion of two or more cervical vertebrae. Other features include short neck, a low posterior hairline, scoliosis, and congenital heart disease.397 Difficulty with airway management usually arises in the latter half of the first decade of life. The degree of difficulty with airway management depends on the severity of neck fixation.

bGoldenhar’s Syndrome

What Research Is Being Done

Research supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke includes studies to understand how the brain and nervous system normally develop and function and how they are affected by disease and trauma. These studies contribute to a greater understanding of birth defects such as Klippel-Feil Syndrome and open promising new avenues for treatment.

Information from the National Library of Medicines MedlinePlus

Research supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke includes studies to understand how the brain and nervous system normally develop and function and how they are affected by disease and trauma. These studies contribute to a greater understanding of birth defects such as Klippel-Feil Syndrome and open promising new avenues for treatment.

Information from the National Library of Medicines MedlinePlus

Research supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke includes studies to understand how the brain and nervous system normally develop and function and how they are affected by disease and trauma. These studies contribute to a greater understanding of birth defects such as Klippel-Feil Syndrome and open promising new avenues for treatment.

Information from the National Library of Medicines MedlinePlus

Information from the National Library of Medicines MedlinePlus

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How Is Radiofrequency Ablation Used To Treat Klippel Feil

Radiofrequency ablation . This treatment uses a needle to place a heat lesion on a facet joints sensory nerves to prevent it from sending out pain signals to the brain. RFA can relieve pain for 6 to 18 months if indeed the nerve was contributing to pain.

Subdivisions of Klippel-Feil Syndrome. General Discussion Klippel-Feil syndrome is a rare skeletal disorder primarily characterized by abnormal union or fusion of two or more bones of the spinal column within the neck . Some affected individuals may also have an abnormally short neck,

Is it possible for only one identical twin to have Klippel Feil syndrome? It is theoretically possible for only one identical twin to have Klippel Feil syndrome. While both autosomal and recessive inheritance patterns have been described, most cases of Klippel Feil syndrome are sporadic.

Due to at least 1 cervical disc not forming and at least one pair of vertebrae not fully developing into two separate vertebrae, the cervical spine may be noticeably shorter. Reduced neck mobility.

Radiofrequency ablation . This treatment uses a needle to place a heat lesion on a facet joints sensory nerves to prevent it from sending out pain signals to the brain. RFA can relieve pain for 6 to 18 months if indeed the nerve was contributing to pain.

There Is No Cure For Kms But Treatment Focuses On Managing Symptoms

Treatment options for Klippel Feil syndrome vary by patient and in the case of children, their needs may change as they grow and the impacts of the syndrome become more obvious. Treatment can include pain management, surgery, physical therapy, and visits with specialists focused on treating other aspects of the disease such as heart problems and deafness.

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Results Of Functional Assessment Of Spine:

Finger to Toe Distance: Forward flexion 20 cms, Right Lateral Felxion 34 cms, Left Lateral Flexion 35 cms

Functional Movement Screen: 20/21

The individual was unable to carry out the Apleys scratch test, Throwing test and Racket swing test on the Left side. She could shrug her both shoulders though. Despite the restriction of motion the Orthopedic Surgeon recommended her fit to perform flying duties provided the seat of the aircraft and the controls can be adjusted to accommodate her restricted reach. For evaluation in a particular class of aircraft in which she would commence her flying training, she was referred to a qualified flight instructor on the type of aircraft for a detailed cockpit evaluation. There was a specific mention on the following aspects that were needed to be assessed in her cockpit trial:

Ability to carry out preflight checks.

It’s Time To Get The Benefits You Deserve

Suze Orman shares how to get disability benefits in less timeâwith no out-of-pocket costs

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How Doctors Diagnose Klippel

Diagnosing KFS usually involves a combination of physical and neurological exam and imaging tests.

Although KFS is a spinal disorder, it can affect areas beyond the spine. During a physical exam, your doctor will determine the extent the condition has on your whole body. A KFS physical exam may include:

• A chest exam, including an assessment of your chest wall
• A hearing test
• Lab tests to identify organ function abnormalities

Your doctor will also order imaging exams to confirm KFS. X-ray can show whether your cervical vertebrae are fused, but your doctor may x-ray your entire spine to determine if other spinal regions are affected by the condition.

If your doctor suspects spinal stenosis may be associated with your condition, he or she may also order a magnetic resonance imaging scan in addition to x-ray. While x-ray is an excellent first-line imaging test to illuminate your bones, it will not detail soft tissues like nerves. An MRI can show the spinal nerve passageway narrowing that is the classic feature of spinal stenosis.

In addition to spinal imaging, your doctor may refer you to other medical specialists for further testing based on your symptoms. Your medical team may include your primary care physician, neurosurgeon or orthopaedic spine surgeon, urologist, cardiologist, and audiologist.

Some People With Kfs Dont Have Symptoms At All

Researchers have determined that its possible that patients who present with the known signs and symptoms of the rare condition may only represent one type of the syndrome. Its believed those with the typical symptoms make up less than 50% of those affected. There are three total types of KFS. That is why one study suggests the true incidence of Klippel Feil syndrome could be closer to 1 in 21,000.

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Are Liz And Ed Still Together

Ed and Liz Confirm Their Split on the Single Life Tell-All Part 1. By the time they appeared on the tell-all, Ed and Liz were already broken up. Ed loves to rush our relationship when we finally became a couple, the next week I was meeting his daughter, the next week I was meeting his sister, his brother.

Are Cloves Good For Your Teeth

As the best home remedy method for toothache relief, cloves have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anesthetic properties. Here are three methods you can try at home: Using a whole clove put it directly onto the tooth causing pain. With your mouth closed, hold it between your upper and lower teeth.

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Do Vertebrae Fuse On Their Own

Restabilization or Auto-Fusion A natural reaction to Degenerative Disc Disease is that the edges of the vertebrae will develop growths by calcification of the ligaments, which results in gradual grow of adjacent vertebrae towards the each other and eventually in rare cases, the two vertebrae fuse.

Can I Qualify For Benefits Without Meeting A Listing

It’s not necessary to meet one of Social Security’s blue book listings to be considered disabled. If the Social Security Administation decides that your condition doesn’t meet a listing, the agency will then evaluate your level of impairment. The SSA will use the medical evidence in your file to determine your “residual functional capacity” , which describes your ability to perform work-related activities. The main purpose of your RFC is to determine whether you can do sedentary, light, medium, or heavy work.

To create an accurate RFC for you, the SSA needs medical records that include physical examinations of your spine, range of motion tests, and observations from your physician about problems you experience related to your spine. X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans can also be useful in proving disability in cases involving spinal fusion.

In addition to your objective medical records, your doctor’s opinion is very important to the SSA in determining the severity of your condition. If your doctor is willing to complete an RFC form or write a statement about your condition, ask them to offer specific opinions as to your physical limitations. For instance, your doctor should address the following questions:

• How long are you able to sit at one time?
• How long can you stand at one time?
• Are you able to bend, squat, and stoop?
• How much can you lift occasionally ?
• How much can you lift frequently ?

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I Am Not The Suffering Quasimodo Dog With Short Neck Syndrome

Rockville, Maryland, Feb. 28 When Quasimodo, nicknamed Quasi the great, a German Shepherd, was discovered as a stray in Kentucky, he was scheduled to be euthanized because he has short spine syndrome. Fortunately a family decided to give him a second-hand home. He is described as a dog who does normal dog things but has a certain need for accommodations to help him do daily activities. Quasimodo represents one of just 15 dogs worldwide living with short-spine syndrome. He quickly became an internet sensation because of his disability, gaining more than 50,000 followers on Facebook. Who would have guessed that a dog having a disability could receive so much positivity? I didnt, because I never do and heres why.

It is a sunny day on August 17, 2015, and I am moving into Presidents Hall, the dorm I chose for my freshmen year of college at The University of Toledo. I am excited as any entering freshmen student should be on the journey to a higher education. The day started early, at 8:00 a.m. because I wanted to move in as soon as possible. I was eager to meet everyone on campus. At the time I was an extrovert because my high school years were great. I had a great summer after high school graduation, and I wanted to continue having a great experience at the start of my college career. That dream was cut short.

I do belong wherever I decide to go. I wont feel a sense of shame when someone comments on my appearance or identity, but I will correct them if I can.

Team Care Approach For Kfs

For patients with KFS, it is common for the health care team to include specialists from multiple fields, depending on the signs and symptoms present, such as:

• Hearing and/or vision deficits
• Spinal deformity
• Chronic pain
• Craniofacial anomalies
• Heart, lung, kidney, and/or bladder problems
• Learning disability
• Strength and/or coordination deficits

If multiple issues must be treated simultaneously, the various specialists may need to coordinate the care plan with each other.

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