Danny Said:

how does pneumonia occur in patients with spinal cord injuries?

We Answered:

Respiratory complications and infection predominate as post-spinal cord injury complications. When the injury involves the upper thorax, the normal breathing pattern is permanently altered. The diaphragm does most of the work in quiet breathing. The chest wall muscles (intercostals) are used primarily for deep breathing or coughing. The abdominal muscles also participate in coughing. When the intercostal and abdominal muscles are paralyzed, the entire load is taken by the diaphragm. This results in poor coughing and a high risk of pneumonia. Pneumonia is one of the most common complications of acute spinal cord injury. Preventive measures are very important to reduce the risk of pneumonia. These include: percussion and drainage using gravity to assist; assisted coughing (also termed "quad" coughing); abdominal binders (to increase the resistance against which the diaphragm works); and early mobilization (i.e.; getting the patient out of bed as soon as possible)

Tommy Said:

Lou Gehrig may not have died from the disease named after him? (Details inside plus your thoughts?

We Answered:

I have no idea, I believe that we should leave it to that Lou Gehrig died from the disease named after him. Yes, I guess the doctors could have been wrong and this was an athletic injury that mimicked the symptoms of A.L.S.

I guess my opinion is that a they can say what they want now, and point out that it may have been something else, but the fact remains they can't prove anything. And the misdiagnosis of someone else doesn't mean Lou was misdiagnosed.

Veronica Said:

Lou Gehrig may not have died from the disease named after him? (Details inside plus your thoughts?

We Answered:

That was very interesting. It is hard to tell about some neurological diseases until the brain is checked by an MRI (like multiple sclerosis). My Grandmother was diagnosed with A.L.S. in her 80's and it's a wicked disease. Thanks for the post!