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Vascular insufficiency pain
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vascular insufficiency pain - Diagnosis of
vascular insufficiency pain - Treatment of
vascular insufficiency pain - Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy
Diagnosis of vascular insufficiency pain
Medical history and examination
Doctors ask patients about their pain and the state of their arms and legs from a range of different perspectives. Examinations include taking the patient’s pulse, tests of perception, and comparing the color of the skin on both sides of the body.
Recently, a test called the ankle brachial index (ABI) has come into use for quantifying the progress of arteriosclerosis. The ABI is measured by taking the ratio of the blood pressure in the left and right wrists and ankles, which provides a measure of how far arteriosclerosis has progressed. Another common test is ultrasound of the arteries of the arms and legs to measure whether they are constricted, the severity of arteriosclerosis, and the speed of blood flow. These tests are carried out in outpatient clinics and are not burdensome to the patient.
Imaging tests
Imaging tests are performed to identify the cause of pain and investigate the state of blood vessels. MRI and CT are used, and direct imaging of the blood vessels may also be carried out. Thermography, which involves measuring the temperature of the surface of the body, may also be used as an index of blood flow.