Doctor, Doctor...
By Dave Hall
For all you hypochondriacs out there, Dave Hall continues his regular look at a some of the more unusual medical conditions, as well as some you thought you knew all about.
This week: COPENHAGEN DISEASE (Fused Vertebrae).
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Condition – Copenhagen disease, which is sometimes called Copenhagen Syndrome, is a progressive non-infectious anterior vertebral fusion, a rare childhood disease of unknown aetiology – in English, that means you’re upper backbones are a bit stuck together. Whether it was first identified in Denmark is something we can only speculate, but we reckon it’s a pretty safe bet.
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Contagion – A rare disorder and a non-contagious one, so you won’t be picking it up in a hurry.
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| Danger of death – Not a fatal disease, although as it does get worse you’ll end up with progressively more and more restricted movement. | |
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Incurability? – No known cure for the condition, largely because not a great deal is known about it. It’s thought that surgery is the only answer to the fusing bones.
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Likelihood of getting time off work – Not initially, but when you are creeping around the office or you can't turn your head around when the boss calls you, you may be sent home for a bout of physio or just sent home...!
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| Brag-ability – Because not a lot is known about the condition, you could be in a position to embellish any story quite considerably to your mates down the pub. However, make sure none of them are spinal neuro-surgeons before you embark on a tissue of lies you can’t get out of! |
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Overall ridiculousness – More of an inconvenience initially, but one that can lead to loss of movement and partial paralysis. Once you’re an adult though, the chances of getting it are minimal. Oh, and keep taking that lubricating cod liver oil. |
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More conditions to come soon:
Bolutism, Scabies and more.
Find more curious conditions in Doctor Doctor. If you can't wait for the next Doctor Doctor, then why not find a Phunny Phobia to keep you going?
Photo: Arcadian/Wiki
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