ASIA Exam Flashcards
What is spinal shock?
Loss of reflexes typically ~24 hours after spinal cord injury below level of lesion (can last weeks)
What is the first reflex to return after spinal shock?
Bulbocavernosus reflex
Which spinal cord injury appears as LMN?
Cauda Equina syndrome
What are the corresponding myotomes for thoracic levels on ASIA exam?
There are no thoracic myotomes
How is sensation tested on ASIA exam?
Pinprick with a safety pin; light touch with cotton swab
Where would you test C3 sensory level on the ASIA exam?
Supraclavicular fossa
Where would you test T6 sensory level on the ASIA exam?
Xiphoid process
Where would you test T12 sensory level on the ASIA exam?
Inguinal ligament at midpoint
Where would you test L2 sensory level on the ASIA exam?
Mid-anterior thigh
Where would you test S2 sensory level on the ASIA exam?
Popliteal fossa in midline
Describe an ASIA A SCI
Complete SCI, No motor or sensory function is preserved in the sacral segments S4-5
Describe an ASIA C SCI
Incomplete SCI, Motor function is preserved below the neurological level and less than half of the key muscles below the neurologic level are >3 muscle grade
What does NOON sign mean?
No voluntary anal contraction, no deep anal pressure and no S4-5 sensation
How is neurological level of injury defined in ASIA exam?
Last level of normal sensory and motor testing
How is motor level defined on ASIA exam?
Last level of 3 or greater as long as the myotome above is a grade 5
