Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical Spondylosis is characterized as the gradual wearing away of the cervical vertebrae as we age. Though it happens with everyone, certain extremes can cause additional problems. The bones that make up our spine will deterioate over time and create spurs, which are outgrowths of the bone. These irregularities have the potential to compress nerves, in a condition called radiculopathy; or they can narrow the opening containing the spinal cord, causing myelopathy. Therefore, nerve function may be inhibited but it is not that common. Patients may not exhibit symptoms or the symptoms may be worse depending on the severity. These symptoms include: stiffness and pain in the neck, shoulder, and chest; tingling and/or numbness in extremities; trouble walking; changes in reflexes; and loss of bladder/bowel control.
Also known as cervical osteoarthritis, it often occurs in men and women over 40 (although usually affects men at an earlier age compared to women). Around age 30, an x-ray may show some degeneration, however, symptoms aren't likely to show up until later. It is often caused by the changing consistency of the disks and ligaments associated with the spine. The spinal disks become dry and loose elasticity; while ligaments and muscles become stiff. Bulging disks also may be a cause, due to the disk material protruding from the space. The risk may be reduced early on by exercise and practicing good posture. This pathology can be diagnosed utilizing a physical assesment of neck flexibility, neurological exams (to determine pressure on the nerves and spinal cord), x-rays of the neck and spine, CT, MRI, or a Myelogram (when dye is injected into the spinal cord). Mild cases may be treated with a brace, anti-inflammatory drugs, and exercise; while extreme cases may require bed rest, traction, muscle relaxants, or corticosteroid injections. Although surgery has its own associated risks, it is also an option in severe cases.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cervical-spondylosis/DS00697/TAB=multimedia

http://www.medscape.com/content/2004/00/48/28/482834/art-sp482834.fig2.jpg

Carotid Artery Disease

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/images/cad_anatomy.jpg


Carotid Artery Disease is the buildup of plaque in the vessels (the carotid arteries) that allow blood flow to the head/brain. This process is slow and happens gradually over time; therefore, patents may not exhibit symptoms until further complications occur. The plaque can cause stenosis of the artery (slowing blood flow) or completely occlude the artery (stopping blood flow). As mentioned before, in the developing stages the patient may not have symptoms until blood flow to the brain is inhibited; this is known as a stroke or a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack). Symptoms that indicated a stroke include: weakness (typically on a single side of the body), trouble speaking, and sudden vision problems. It is critical that patients seek help at the onset of stroke-like symptoms; as this indicates that the brain isn't getting accurate blood flow. While a TIA isn't considered a full blown stroke, it is often a warning sign for such an incident.

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Risk factors for carotid artery disease include: age, obesity, smoking, hypertension, heredity, sedentary lifestyle, and diabetes. All of the factors play into plaque buildup in the artery and changing of the artery walls from smooth and healthy to stiff and narrow. Plaques is a combination of cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue, and other cellular debris; and can build in various vessels throughout the body. The disease can be diagnosed using different imaging modalities, such as MRI, CT, Ultrasound, or Arteriography. While lifestyle changes can reduce progression of the pathology in early stages, medications and/or invasive procedures may be utilized if complications occur. These medications may include blood thinners, such as aspirin. More serious cases may call for endarterectomy (surgical removal of plaque) or carotid stenting/ angioplasty (a catheter is used to deploy a stent into the vessel). These procedures have there own risks involved. For example, a piece of plaque can be dislodged and cause problems else where in the vessel, dissection of the vessel (break in the artery wall), or hemorrhage (bleeding out).
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/carotid-artery-disease/DS01030/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis

LYMPHADENOPATHY

www.radpod.org

Lymphadenopathy is a condition in which the lymph nodes throughout the body become swollen. These lymph nodes filter lymph fluid as it circulates through the body, as well as aid in immune system functions. They are found in various places, including the neck, groin, chest, and abdomen. Occuring most often in the neck, lymphadenopathy is a result of accumulating fluid and infection fighting cells. This is a common pathology in children and can be caused by many different types of infections. The location of the swollen lymph node is often indicative of the area of infection. The condition may also be related to malignancy or drug reactions. Patients will exhibit redness, tenderness, and swelling of the area, in addition to fever. While the patient's symptoms and history of illness are often enough to diagnose this pathology, other tests may be performed to specify the affected node. For example, a biopsy may be conducted, as well as such imaging procedures as CT and MRI. Most often, the lymph node will be palpable, making a non-invasive diagnosis acheivable. Treatment is based on condition and severity of the pathology. Often times the underlying infection will be treated with antibiotics. If the swelling persists, actions may be taken upon the lymph node itself. Lymphadenopathy is rarely fatal; most related deaths are due to malignancy rather than the inflammation itself.
http://www.biomedcentral.com/
http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/uvahealth/peds_ent/lymphpathy.cfm

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/956340-treatment

http://www.aafp.org/afp/20021201/2103.html