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 The following are uses of neuromuscular
thermography when anatomic tests (CT, myelogram and/or MRI) have not
been performed, or are negative or inconclusive:
- To evaluate sensory/autonomic
peripheral nerve injury
- To evaluate for the possibility of
reflex sympathetic dystrophy or other autonomic dystrophy and to follow
the treatment of same.
- To evaluate and monitor myofascial
injury.
- Early diagnosis of possible extremity
stress fracture.
- Differentiate, document, and monitor
any injury that does not respond to clinical treatment.
- To identify occult myofascial
conditions versus symptom magnification.
- To evaluate facial or
temporomandibular joint pain when other tests are unrevealing.
If the tests of neurophysiology (thermogram
and EMG) have been done first, and are negative, the need for anatomic
testing may be reconsidered.
"The following are uses of neuromuscular thermography when anatomic
tests (CT, Myelogram, and/or MRI) have been performed and are positive:
- To evaluate the significance of
positive findings when the physical exam or history do not coincide,
i.e., a lesion may be present anatomically, but have no significance
physiologically.
- To look for hidden or missed
lesions. Examples:
a. The CT may be abnormal at one level, but the thermogram may show
abnormality at this and an adjacent level, leading the physician to
order another test, such as a myelogram or MRI, which may uncover a
second lesion.
b. The patient may have nerve root dysfunction and reflex
sympathetic dystrophy, with only one set of presenting symptoms.
c. The patient may have both nerve problems (disc), and trigger
points or facet joint problems, with overlapping or masking of
symptoms. Under these circumstances, history and/or symptoms can be
masked by the predominant lesion.
- To evaluate the significance of
equivocal or mild disc bulges or herniations on myelograms, CT or
MRI scans if clinically indicated.
- To evaluate for the possibility of
reflex sympathetic dystrophy, and to follow treatment of same if
clinically indicated.
- Differentiate, document, and
monitor any injury that does not respond to clinical treatment."
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