Pulmonary physical medicine interventions for elderly patients with muscular dysfunction.

The respiratory consequences of respiratory muscle impairment, with or without bulbar muscle weakness, usually involve inadequate ventilation and airway secretion encumbrance and may progress to respiratory failure. This article focuses on muscular dysfunction of the bulbar and respiratory musculature in elderly patients with neuromuscular diseases or central nervous system disorders. In addition, the article discusses application of pulmonary physical medicine principles for patients with predominantly restrictive pulmonary disorders caused primarily by muscular dysfunction.

Appropriateness of the Ilfeld Psychiatric Symptom Index as a screening tool for depressive symptomatology in persons with spinal cord injury.

Background: Depressive symptomatology is seen in some persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Identification of a depressed mood can assist clinicians in early treatment. The Ilfeld Psychiatric Symptom Index (Ilfeld PSI) is a screening tool that assesses a range of symptoms: depression, cognitive disturbance, anxiety, and anger.