Page 28 - Southern Exposure - April '25

Page 28, Southern Exposure

clevelaNd cliNic

florida News

Spinal Stenosis FAQs

Spinal stenosis is fairly in the lower back. This may produce leg pain (sciatica), leg • Spinal injections to decrease inflammation
common. Degenerative numbness, or possibly leg weakness. Cervical stenosis is • Medicine to relieve pain
spinal changes affect up to pressure on the spinal cord or nerves in the neck. This may • Activity modification
95 percent of people by the result in arm pain, numbness, weakness, difficulty writing, • Exercises and/or physical therapy
age of 50, and spinal stenosis and even walking abnormalities. Surgical treatments for cervical spinal stenosis include:
is one of these changes. For Q: What causes spinal stenosis? • Microsurgical decompression of nerves
people over 65 undergoing • Aging • Spinal laminoplasty – non-fusion spinal restoration
spine surgery, lumbar spinal • Genetics • Posterior spinal fusion using 3-D computer assisted
stenosis is the most common • Congenitally narrow spinal canal technology
diagnosis. An estimated • Smoking • Anterior cervical fusion
200,000 Americans suffer • Osteoarthritis • Artificial disc replacement
from lumbar spinal stenosis. Q: How is spinal stenosis treated? Surgical treatments for lumbar spinal stenosis include:
It’s more prevalent in the J. Manuel Sarmiento, M.D. A: There are many treatments for spinal stenosis, both • Microsurgical decompression of nerves
elderly population but can surgical and non-surgical. Every patient is unique and • Spinal fusion for stabilization using several various
also affect younger individuals. therefore treatment needs to be unique as well. When approaches
J. Manuel Sarmiento, M.D., an experienced neurosurgeon considering surgery, there are many factors that need to To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sarmiento or
at Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital, answers frequently be taken into account. It is important to meet with a spinal another Cleveland Clinic neurosurgeon in Florida, call
asked questions about spinal stenosis. neurosurgeon for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment (877) 463-2010. Visit ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/neuro
Q: What is spinal stenosis? recommendations. for more information.
A: Spinal stenosis is narrowing around the spinal cord Non-surgical treatments include:
and/or nerves. Lumbar stenosis is narrowing of the nerves • Medicine to reduce swelling

all about Kids

ADHD Looks Different In Girls

By Jim Forgan, Ph.D., Licensed School Psychologist

Savannah explained, out, trouble with organizing, impulsive decision making, or Richey. We also test students from age 2 through college for
“My 13-year-old daughter’s emotional dysregulation. dyslexia, anxiety, depression autism, and more. Call us at
a wreck at home. She is We test individuals ages 6 through 25 for ADHD. A great (561) 625-4125 to discuss your child or learn more at www.
disorganized, argumentative self-help resource is Raising Girls with ADHD by Mary Anne JimForgan.com.
and has trouble accomplishing
day- to-day tasks on her own
and following a routine.
However, at school and
sports she is very driven and
motivated, is very personable,
and has strong verbal skills.
Help me understand her!”
My school neuropsychological testing revealed Savannah’s
daughter had ADHD.
ADHD looks different in girls as compared to boys.
Three key differences are that ADHD in girls is often
underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed because they are
more likely to have inattention symptoms rather than
hyperactivity. In elementary years boys are diagnosed at a 4
boys to 1 girl ratio but by adulthood, that evens out to a 1:1
ratio as more girls self-refer for testing. Second, girls show
more internalized symptoms like anxiety, depression, or low
self-esteem, which can be mistaken for other conditions.
Third, girls are really good at masking or hiding their
symptoms which makes ADHD harder to recognize.
Savannah’s daughter had significant emotional
dysregulation which came out in her mood swings. She
experienced frequent emotional ups and downs and struggled
with frustration which made her irritable and sensitive.
This led to arguments if things were not going her way. My
testing also revealed she had difficulty with friendships. Her
emotional dysregulation struggles affected her ability to
maintain stable friendships. She had teammates but not one
really close friend.
Early recognition and appropriate support can help girls
learn to manage these challenges effectively. Consider getting
yourself or your child tested if you are concerned about ADHD
or struggle with difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, zoning

Captain’s was established in 1980 servicing
Palm Beach County and is a privately
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Captain’s is committed to providing
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ground transportation to and from all
South Florida Airports and Seaports. PBCVH212
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561-798-2180 or 800-634-7890 www.captainsairport.com