Thermographic Neurology at B Well Thermography
There is a large amount of literature on thermographic neurology. The AMA created an in depth paper in 1987, as this technology was emerging. The paper in itself is a great tool and still the basis of our protocols in thermographic neurology today. The analysis of the hyperthermic and hypothermic patterns allow the Thermologist to make neuromuscular assessments.
Thermography neurology is important in aiding the diagnosis of many diseases that have been difficult to assess with traditional methods. These include conditions such as: radiculitis, peripheral neuritis, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), upper motor neuron lesions, multiple sclerosis, ALS, and more neurological diseases.
Thermography has long been used by Neurologists, Chiropractors, PT’s, and other professional to assess the nervous system. Take a look at the images below. Please read the AMA Council for NMS Thermography.
For Chiropractic Thermography we refer you to CHIROTHERM for specific training and equipment.
How Thermography Identifies Neurology ?
The nervous system controls every aspect of the human body, and most pertinent to medical thermology, is the skin surface temperatures. The skin is a complex organ innervated by millions of nerve endings that control capillary function.
During a sympathetic response the nerves controlling the capillaries with cause vasoconstriction. This in turn will create hypothermia of the tissue innervated. This cold pattern can be plotted on a computer and an assessment can be made.
In the case of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), formerly known as Reflex Sympathetic Disorder (RSD), the sympathetic nervous system is out of control. We test for CRPS will a process called Cold Stressing that looks for inconsistencies with the normal sympathetic response.
A trained Thermologist will assess these neuropathies and put all findings in to a report for the patient.
There are many facets to this science, as I have only described a few. For more information we recommend CHIROTHERM training.
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Case Studies:
9x7x5 cm Tumor
This breast thermography case study shows the thermal effect of a 9 cm tumor. The heat can be seen leaching out away from the breast tissue and into the lymphatic region surrounding the breast. Thermography is a great tool for assessing the extent of potential damage from breast cancer.
6 Month Follow-up
This breast thermography case study shows the importance of regular follow-up scans. As seen here, changes can happen rapidly with active breast cancer. In some cases, waiting one year or longer for a follow up scan can be detrimental. More frequent follow-up scans such as 3 months may be warranted. As always, we strongly recommend adhering to the follow up recommendations made by our board-certified interpreting physicians.
Lymphatic Involvement
This breast thermography case study demonstrates breast cancer with lymphatic involvement. The areas of intense red on the left breast indicate heat due to the extreme inflammatory nature of breast cancer. The thermal heat pattern can be seen continuing from the breast, down into the abdomen. This indicates there is involvement of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system can act as a highway, transporting cancerous cells from the breast to other regions of the body. Evaluating lymphatic involvement with breast thermography is an important aspect in determining the extent of the cancer’s damage and its potential for metastasis (spread to other regions of the body).
Thermal Effects of Aberrant Posture
Thermography can be used for more than just breast studies. This full body thermography case study shows the stress of poor posture on the human body. Here, a lateral thoracic translation can be seen. The red areas are areas of hyperthermia (increased heat), indicating biomechanical stress in the form of inflammation. Full body thermography is an effective way to assess for and monitor improvement of musculoskeletal dysfunction.
36 Treatments
Thermography can effectively monitor progress in neuromuscular conditions. This full body thermography case study shows the improvements made by a Chiropractic patient. The physician treated her neuromuscular complaints and took follow up scans at 12 visit (1 month) increments. Thermography is a valuable tool for assessing and monitoring improvement in neuromuscular conditions.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This thermography case study shows a squamous cell carcinoma that was caused by radiation therapy from a contralateral lymphoma. Notice the areas of heat surrounding the center. On thermography, areas of excessive heat (red and white) could be indicative of angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels which results in increased blood flow to the area, supplying tumors and cancer cells with the nutrients they need for growth and reproduction.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer
This breast thermography case study shows the rapid progression that inflammatory breast cancer can present with. This patient attempted several alternative treatments. She refused surgery and traditional forms of cancer treatment, against the recommendations of her doctor. Breast thermography can aid in monitoring breast cancer throughout the treatment process. Thermography is 100% safe and radiation free which allows for imaging as frequently as necessary for peace of mind while undergoing traditional forms of cancer treatment.