AboutJ. Shawn Leatherman, DC, CCST, CCSP Expertise I can answer questions on general chiropractic care, sports injury, whiplash and auto crash, mild traumatic brain injury, structural and functional rehabilitation of the spine, nutrition for inflammation and repair, fitness training, and other general health and nutrition related inquiries. I currently lecture on automobile trauma, occupant kinematics, and forensic risk analysis to local EMS, Fire and Police, as well as nutrition and sports injury to community groups. Rest assured all answers are generated from my clinical experience, and scientific research.
Experience I have accumulated over 1000 hours of post-doctoral training including; Certifications in Spinal Trauma/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego and the International Chiropractic Association, Certification in Low Speed Auto Crash Reconstruction and Certification in Forensic Risk Analysis from The Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Certified Proficiency in spinal and extremity diagnostic proceedures from The Motion Palpation Institute, Certified in Sports Injury and Rehabilitation from the National University of Health Sciences and The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, Nationally Certified Fellow of Structural Rehabilitation from The Chiropractic Biophysics Organization, and I have advanced training in manipulation under anesthesia and nutrition. I treat accident victims in my clinic on a daily basis, and constantly stay abreast of the current research. Please visit my website for more information: www.suncoasthealthcare.net
Organizations International Chiropractic Association, Florida Chiropractic Association, American Academy of Pain Management, Chiropractic Biophysics, Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Motion Palpation Organization, American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, The Better Business Bureau Of Northwest Florida
Education/Credentials B.A. (Psychology) from The University of Cincinnati, B.S. (Human Biology)& D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) from Cleveland Chiropractic College, C.C.S.T. (Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma) from The International Chiropractic Association, C.C.S.P. (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician) from The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians.
Question Hi Mr. Leatherman - I really hope you can help me! Just today, my boyfriend
was bodyboarding and he was driven head first into the sea floor by a wave.
He had some minor bloody scrapes on his forehead and nose and complains
of neck pain behind his head by his spine. When he returned to our towel I
saw a clear fluid drip like a stream from his nose. He's home now resting and
seems coherent and claims he's fine. His eyes are a bit bloodshot and there
have been a few more instances of clear fluid coming out of his nose. I'm
making an appointment for him in the morning - but do you think he needs
more immediate emergency care? He's 45 years old and has already had his
L5 removed...
Thanks again for your help on this!
Kind Regards,
Jess
Answer Dear Jess,
I don't want to alarm you, but clear fluid leaking from his nose needs to be immediately followed up with. Although remote, this could be CSF (cerebro-spinal fluid) leaking from the spinal cord.
Due to the mechanism of injury, the basilar part of the skull is susceptible to fracture. When this occurs the CSF fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord can leak into the nose or ears, and this is a very serious injury, which can easily result in death.
You should take him to the emergency room and have it checked out immediately. I have seen these fractures before from trauma and often there are no outward injuries to see, however the patient can deteriorate very quickly and die.
Be safe and get him checked out. Best and most likely scenario is that it is just sea water that was stuck up in the sinus cavity, and a neck sprain, but always rule out the bad first and then progress on.
Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net
