Publications by authors named "Benjamin Abramoff"

This article describes the differences and similarities in post-acute care for patients with spinal cord injuries in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. It provides a comprehensive description of the current state of spinal cord injury post-acute care in each country, including the prevalent practices, rehabilitation continuum of care, as well as challenges and opportunities related to clinical services, psychosocial factors, economic considerations, and cultural influences.

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Background: Although persons with disabilities are a high-risk group, little is known about the association between specific disabling conditions and acute or long COVID outcomes.

Objective: To examine the severity of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and post-COVID outcomes among people with a preexisting diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury (SCI), or traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study using the TrinetX Research Database, a large representative database of medical records.

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Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC, "Long COVID") pose a significant global health challenge. The pathophysiology is unknown, and no effective treatments have been found to date. Several hypotheses have been formulated to explain the etiology of PASC, including viral persistence, chronic inflammation, hypercoagulability, and autonomic dysfunction.

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Objective The objective of this study was to assess whether the National Football League (NFL) players with probable coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during the 2020 season experienced a decline in athletic performance and endurance. Methods All players who were listed on the NFL's COVID-19 Injury Reserve (COVID-IR) list were screened for inclusion. Players were included in the study if they had spent ≥10 days on the COVID-19 IR list (which indicated a positive PCR test based on the NFL COVID-19 policies), had played in at least two games before and after going on the IR list, and primarily played an offensive or defensive position.

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Objectives: To describe the characteristics of individuals receiving outpatient rehabilitation for post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). Further, to examine factors associated with variation in their psychological and cognitive functioning and health-related quality of life.

Design: Observational study.

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Introduction: Outpatient rehabilitation is recommended in the treatment of post coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) condition. Although racial and ethnic disparities in the incidence and severity of COVID-19 have been well documented, little is known about the use of outpatient rehabilitation among patients with post COVID-19 condition.

Objective: To examine factors associated with outpatient rehabilitation use following COVID-19 and to ascertain whether differential incidence of sequelae explain variation in post COVID-19 rehabilitation utilization by race and ethnicity.

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Introduction: Although common in individuals with cancer as well as nerve root compression, neuropathic pain can be difficult to prevent and manage due to the complex pain mechanisms involved in its pathophysiology. Although contrast baths have a long history of use for pain management, there is little known about their efficacy in the acute rehabilitation setting or in patients with cancer related neuropathic pain.

Case Presentation: A 54-year-old man with multiple myeloma presented with progressive lower extremity weakness and 8/10 neuropathic pain intensity in both feet due to extensive myelomatous involvement of his lumbar spine.

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Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is associated with significant cognitive impairment and increased risk for mental health comorbidities. This study aimed to identify specific associations between cognitive impairment, self-reported disruptions in memory, and psychiatric symptoms including depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and perceived sleep concerns.

Methods: Data collected from all consecutive patients with Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) who presented to a dedicated Post-COVID Clinic were used to evaluate whether certain psychiatric symptoms were more strongly associated with cognitive impairment and self-reported memory disturbances.

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Article Synopsis
  • A 29-year-old man suffered a rare spinal cord injury, specifically Brown-Sequard syndrome, after attempting to manually manipulate his own cervical spine.
  • Imaging revealed significant disc herniations causing severe compression of the spinal cord, leading to an urgent surgical decompression.
  • The case emphasizes the importance of quick surgical treatment and rehabilitation, and cautions against the risks of self-cervical manipulation.
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Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can produce prolonged multi-organ system dysfunction and a worsened quality of life, a condition known as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC). In response, clinics have emerged dedicated to the treatment of individuals with PASC.

Objective: To better understand the current characteristics of these clinics, the barriers they face, and the interest in collaboration between clinics.

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Objective: The aim of the study was to describe the characteristics and functional outcomes of patients undergoing acute inpatient rehabilitation after hospitalization for COVID-19.

Design: Using a retrospective chart review, patients were identified who were admitted to inpatient rehabilitation after COVID-19. Patient information collected included sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, length of stay, discharge disposition, self-care, mobility, and cognitive functioning.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study aimed to compare clinical outcomes in patients with acute cervical radiculopathy due to soft disc herniations versus osteophytes.
  • It involved 60 patients with significant radicular pain, assessing their pain levels and other outcomes at various follow-up intervals over a year.
  • Results showed that most patients experienced a significant reduction in pain regardless of the cause, with minimal differences in outcomes between those with soft discs and those with osteophytes.
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Cognitive dysfunction (CD) is pervasive in individuals who have chronic spinal cord injuries (SCI). Although classically associated with concomitant traumatic brain injuries, many other causes have been proposed, including premorbid neuropsychological conditions, mood disorders, substance abuse, polypharmacy, chronic pain and fatigue, sleep apnea, autonomic dysregulation, post-intensive care unit syndrome, cortical reorganizations, and neuroinflammation. The consequences of CD are likely widespread, affecting rehabilitation and function.

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Osteoarthritis (OA) is a worldwide endemic and debilitating disease. Previously thought to simply be damaged from "wear and tear," OA is now understood to be a complex interaction of local and systemic factors. This article reviews the pathology, symptoms, diagnosis, and various conservative, surgical, and novel treatments of OA.

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Introduction: Acquired copper deficiency myelopathy is a rare disorder associated with hematologic abnormalities, peripheral neuropathy, and sensory ataxia. Although its clinical presentation and radiographic findings are similar to other nutrient deficiencies, practitioners often fail to diagnose copper deficiency. This report describes a case of copper deficiency decades after a jejunoileal bypass (JIB) to draw attention to potential long-term sequelae associated with this now abandoned procedure.

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Introduction: Charcot spinal arthropathy (CSA) is an uncommon clinical entity following spinal cord injury (SCI). It is characterized by progressive cartilaginous and bony destruction and is felt to be due to loss of proprioceptive and nociceptive feedback from the spine. CSA is typically diagnosed many years following SCI and has the potential to lead to progressive neurologic decline if left untreated.

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Background: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is highly prevalent and increases the risk of osteoporosis, falls, and fractures. Patients in acute inpatient rehabilitation have several risk factors for VDD, the adverse effects of which may hinder long-term functional gain.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of and risk factors for VDD in patients admitted to acute inpatient rehabilitation and to evaluate the efficacy of a standardized vitamin D screening and supplementation protocol.

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Unlabelled: Homonymous hemianopsia (HH) is a common adverse outcome after stroke. Spontaneous improvement more than 6 months poststroke is thought to be unlikely, and traditional visual rehabilitation techniques lack clear evidence of efficacy. The case presented is of a 22-year-old woman who demonstrated improved compensation of her stroke-induced HH after the initiation of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

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