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(4%) showed a negative correlation. Similarly, PubMed was used to generate a list of abstracts for the key phrase “cardiovascular disease caused by stress.” Of the first 171 consecutive abstracts reviewed, 50 were chosen because they described an association between chronic mental stress and CVD. Of those, 46 (92%) showed a positive correlation, 2 (4%) showed a possible correlation, and 2 (4%) showed a negative correlation. Thus, based on the associations noted above (even though not rigorously scientifically proven), there is a correlation between chronic
benchmark, being used not only in the United States (US) but also in Canada, certain European countries, the Middle East, Asia Pacific including Australia, New Zealand, and Southern Africa. It also serves as a compensation scale for personal injuries sustained by United Nations peacekeeping personnel from 19 nations. 3 (See Figure 1 .) FIGURE 1 World Map Illustrating Use of the AMA Guides The AMA Guides originated in the US as a scientific tool for translating human pathology that results from trauma or a disease process, which results in functional loss
AMA Guides Newsletter article published in March/April 2007. 1 Specific definitions, scientific methodology, maximal translation, and angular motion thresholds were extensively discussed in this article. Ambiguous terminology of the normal maximal translation in the spine led to subsequent mis-interpretation. 2 The literature parameters for translation threshold differed from those published in the Fourth and Fifth Editions of the AMA Guides . Technical factors pertaining to performance of spinal X rays were only defined in the literature for the cervical spine
liberally. While neuropathic pain seems entirely reasonable when associated with a diagnosis such as diabetic polyneuropathy, the neuropathic pain aspect of other pain syndromes is less clearly accepted (eg, complex regional pain syndrome I and II). (Ochoa 1995) Kissel (2002) notes that much of the fibromyalgia literature is based on studies “of limited scientific validity… small numbers of patients, lack of adequate disease controls, and insufficient analyses of deconditioning effects or concurrent psychiatric illnesses in the study populations.” Therefore the validity
systems, speedy resolution, and fairness to all stakeholders. At the present time, there are few studies, and fewer methodologically sound studies, that have compared impairment ratings to disability and/or appropriate compensation. The paucity of scientific data available to compare ratings to disability precludes evidence–based impairment ratings. However, bearing in mind that impairment ratings are not intended to reflect disability, this is of questionable importance. The issues that arise with respect to impairment and changes in relative impairment values are
pathology. The AMA Guides, Sixth Edition, does not provide ratable impairment for somatoform disorders in Chapter 14, Mental and Behavioral Disorders. The AMA Guides does not deny the existence or importance of these subjective complaints to the individual or their functional impact but notes that an accepted method within the scientific literature has not yet been identified to ascertain how these concerns consistently affect organ or body system functioning. The physician is encouraged to discuss these concerns and symptoms during the impairment evaluation
