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Date sent: Mon, 4 Jun 2001 11:23:45 -0400 Send reply to: Parkinson's Information Exchange Network <[log in to unmask]> From: michael frederic <[log in to unmask]> Subject: IMPORTANT: need a neurologist reference -- help for a friend To: [log in to unmask] > I just found out a friend's mother has a suddenly disabling condition, > and I am hoping someone on the list can provide advice. I apologize > that it is not specifically PD-related, but I have been always > impressed by the amount of knowledge and generosity on this list, and > I hope someone else's knowledge or experience may be helpful to my > friend. > > As I understand it, my friend's mother had an infection in her tooth > which somehow spread to her spine. (The term "peritonitis" was used > when this story was being related to me, but this may be a mistake.) I > believe she had been having shoulder and neck problems while the > infection was spreading. She is now paralyzed and needs immediate > attention. Michael, It was probably "periodontitis" (an infection surrounding teeth) rather than "peritonitis" (infection of the abdominal cavity, often due to a ruptured appendix or some other intestinal structure). Any infection which becomes blood-borne can settle in the epidural space (the space surrounding the spinal cord) and cause what is called an epidural abscess. This can, in turn, cause compression of the spinal cord and paralysis unless it is surgically removed *very quickly*. If the patient has an epidural abscess, it is probably too late to reverse the paralysis, although one cannot be sure without more information. The neurosurgical facilities in China (in the large cities) are reasonably good. I have been to Beijing and have some contacts there, but I do not have any connections in Shanghai. I do belong to an international neurosurgical List on the Internet and, if desired, I can ask the Listmembers if they include anyone in Shanghai. I can also write to my colleagues in Beijing and ask them as well. If you have some more information, please e-mail me offlist. Best, Bob ********************************************** Robert A. Fink, M. D., F.A.C.S., P. C. 2500 Milvia Street Suite 222 Berkeley, California 94704-2636 Telephone: 510-849-2555 FAX: 510-849-2557 WWW: http://www.rafink.com/ mailto:[log in to unmask] "Ex Tristitia Virtus" ********************************************* ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn