Incontinence means an unintentional loss of bladder or bowel control. It is a symptom, not a single disease, and it has many possible causes. In spine and nerve care, it is commonly discussed as a potential sign of neurologic (nerve or spinal cord) involvement. Clinicians use the term to describe patterns of leakage, urgency, or retention that affect daily function.
Vascular Ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to look at blood vessels and blood flow. It is commonly used to evaluate arteries and veins in the neck, arms, legs, abdomen, and sometimes within the chest. It helps clinicians assess narrowing, blockage, clot, or abnormal blood flow patterns. It is often performed in vascular labs, cardiology practices, radiology departments, and hospital settings.
Urinary retention means the bladder does not empty completely or cannot empty at all. It can happen suddenly (acute) or develop slowly over time (chronic). Clinicians use the term in primary care, urology, emergency care, and hospital settings. In spine care, it can be an important clue when nerves that control the bladder are irritated or compressed.
MRA usually refers to **magnetic resonance angiography**. It is an MRI-based imaging test that creates pictures of **blood vessels**. MRA is commonly used to evaluate arteries (and sometimes veins) in the head, neck, chest, abdomen, and legs. It is often ordered in cardiovascular and vascular care to look for narrowing, blockage, or abnormal vessel shape.
Bowel bladder dysfunction is a term clinicians use when bowel control or bladder control is abnormal. It can include trouble starting urination, urinary retention, incontinence, constipation, or loss of bowel control. In spine care, it is commonly discussed because nerves from the lower spinal canal help control pelvic organs. It is also used in neurology, rehabilitation, urology, and pelvic floor medicine.
MR Angiography is a type of MRI scan focused on blood vessels. It creates images of arteries and veins without using X-ray radiation. It is commonly used to evaluate the aorta and other major vessels in the chest, abdomen, neck, and legs. In cardiovascular care, it helps clinicians understand blood flow problems and vessel structure.
Saddle anesthesia is reduced or absent feeling in the skin areas that would touch a saddle. It typically involves the inner thighs, buttocks, perineum, and the genital region. Clinicians use the term as a neurologic “red flag” during spine and nerve evaluations. It can also describe a planned anesthetic effect in a “saddle block” (a type of spinal anesthesia).
Clonus is a rhythmic, involuntary series of muscle contractions and relaxations. It is most commonly noticed at the ankle, but it can occur in other joints and muscles. Clinicians use Clonus as a physical exam sign during a neurologic and spine evaluation. It can suggest changes in how the brain, spinal cord, and nerves control reflexes.
CTA most commonly means **Computed Tomography Angiography**. It is a **CT scan performed with intravenous contrast** to show blood vessels in detail. CTA is widely used to evaluate the **heart arteries (coronary arteries)** and major vessels like the **aorta, carotid arteries, and pulmonary arteries**. Clinicians use CTA to help diagnose vascular disease and guide next-step testing or treatment planning.
Hoffmann sign is a finding on a neurological exam that checks for increased reflex activity in the hand. It is tested by a simple finger movement and watching how the thumb and index finger respond. Clinicians commonly use it when evaluating the cervical spine (neck) and the spinal cord. It is one piece of information and is interpreted alongside symptoms, other exam findings, and imaging.