Everything about Spinal Cord Disorders Flashcards
What is low-back pain?
A common, painful condition affecting the lower portion of the spine
Low-back pain can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.
What is a degenerated disk?
Happens when the soft, cushion-like discs between the bones in your spine wear down over time
This condition can lead to pain and discomfort in the lower back.
What is a bulging disk?
Happens when one of the soft, cushion-like discs between your spine’s bones sticks out more than it should
This may cause pressure on spinal nerves, leading to pain.
What is a herniated disc?
Happens when one of the soft, cushion-like disks between the bones in your spine gets damaged and pushes out of place
Herniated discs can lead to severe pain and neurological symptoms.
What are some causes of low-back pain?
- Strains and sprains
- Spinal fractures
- Disk problems
- Structural problems
- Arthritis
- Diseases like a tumor
- Menstrual cramps
- Pregnancy
- Back labor
These factors can vary widely among individuals.
What are the risk factors for low-back pain?
- People >30
- Obesity
- Poor core strength
- Overall health
- Heavy lifting
- Mental health conditions
Addressing these risk factors can help in prevention.
What are some diagnostic methods for low-back pain?
- Spine x-ray
- MRI
- CT
- EMG
- Blood tests
These tests help identify the underlying cause of pain.
What are common clinical manifestations of low-back pain?
- Stiffness
- Posture problems
- Acute pain
- Muscle spasms
These symptoms can vary in intensity and duration.
What treatments are available for low-back pain?
- Rest
- Ice
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- NSAIDs
- Physical therapy
- Hands-on manipulation
- Lumbar epidural steroid injections
- Surgery
Treatment approaches can be tailored based on severity.
What nursing interventions are recommended for low-back pain?
- Administer medications as ordered
- Range of motion exercises
- Increase fluid intake
- Low back exercises
- Nonpharmacologic pain relief
- Weight control
These interventions can enhance recovery and comfort.
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
An autoimmune disease that affects myelin sheath leading to inflammation and scarring of nerves, leading to decreased nerve signal transmission
The body is attacking its own myelin sheath.
What are the types of Multiple Sclerosis?
- Clinically isolated syndrome - single, first episode that lasts for 24 hours
- Relapsing-Remitting - Characterized by periods of relapses and remissions
- Primary progressive - Symptoms worsen progressively without remissions
- Secondary progressive - Periods of relapses and remissions with progressive worsening of symptoms
Each type has distinct characteristics and progression patterns.
What are the risk factors for Multiple Sclerosis?
- Age (typically diagnosed between 20-40)
- More common in women
- Family history of MS
- Certain genetic variations
- Exposure to certain viruses
- Low vitamin D levels
- Smoking
- Obesity
Awareness of these factors can aid in early detection.
What diagnostic methods are used for Multiple Sclerosis?
- MRI
- Lumbar puncture
These diagnostic tools help confirm the presence of MS.
What are common clinical manifestations of Multiple Sclerosis?
- Numbness or tingling
- Positive Lhermitte sign
- Visual disturbances
- Bowel and bladder dysfunction
- Weakness and fatigue
- Spasms and stiffness
- Coordination and balance problems
- Difficulty with memory or attention
- Mood swings
Symptoms can vary greatly among individuals.
What treatments are available for Multiple Sclerosis?
- Beta interferon
- Corticosteroids
- Baclofen
These treatments aim to manage symptoms and slow disease progression.
What nursing interventions are recommended for patients with Multiple Sclerosis?
- Encourage activity independence
- Cluster activities
- Safety precautions
- Encourage ROM exercises and gentle strengthening exercises
- Educate to avoid triggers
Avoiding triggers helps manage symptoms effectively.
What complications can arise from Multiple Sclerosis?
- Muscle stiffness or spasms
- Paralysis
- Mental status change
- Depression
- Seizures
Complications can significantly affect quality of life.
What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?
A neurodegenerative disorder affecting nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement
ALS progresses rapidly and is ultimately fatal.
What are the causes/risk factors for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?
- Genetics
- Age
- Gender
- Environmental exposure
Understanding these factors can aid in research and awareness.
What is the life expectancy for someone diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?
3-5 years from the time of diagnosis
ALS has no cure and is 100% fatal.
What are common clinical manifestations of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?
- Progressive weakness starting in limbs
- Involuntary muscle twitches and reflexes
- Difficulty walking
- Easily fatigued by ADLs
Symptoms typically worsen over time.
What diagnostic methods are used for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?
- EMG
- Nerve conduction study
- MRI
- Muscle biopsy
These tests help to confirm the diagnosis.
What treatments are available for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?
- Riluzole
- Edaravone
These medications can help slow disease progression but do not cure ALS.
What nursing interventions are recommended for patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?
- Deep breathing and coughing exercises
- Incentive spirometer
- Chest physiotherapy as indicated
- Supplemental oxygen as ordered
- Encourage 2500cc of fluid intake a day
These interventions support respiratory function and overall health.
What is a spinal cord injury?
Damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal cord
Spinal cord injuries can lead to significant functional impairments.
What are the types of spinal cord injuries?
- Complete - all sensory and motor function is completely lost below spinal cord injury
- Incomplete - partial motor or sensory function is present below spinal cord injury
Complete injuries result in total loss of function, while incomplete injuries allow for some function.
What are common causes of spinal cord injuries?
- Traumatic: falls, sports injury, gunshot wound, motor vehicle accident
- Non-traumatic: infection, inflammation, disc degeneration, cancer
Both types of causes can lead to severe consequences.
What are clinical manifestations of spinal cord injuries?
- Loss of sensation below injury
- Loss of motor function below injury
- Loss of reflexes below injury
- Bladder or bowel dysfunction
Symptoms depend on the level and severity of the injury.
What treatments are available for spinal cord injuries?
- Steroids
- Analgesics
- Muscle relaxants
- Laminectomy
- Spinal fusion
Early treatment can improve outcomes.
What complications can arise from spinal cord injuries?
- Neurogenic shock
- Autonomic dysreflexia
These complications require immediate medical attention.
What are the symptoms of neurogenic shock?
- Hypotension
- Bradycardia
- Dry flushed skin
Treatment includes IV fluids and vasopressors.
What are the symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia?
- Severe hypertension
- Severe headache
- Diaphoresis
This condition is a medical emergency and requires prompt intervention.
What nursing interventions are recommended for spinal cord injury patients?
- Stabilize spine and maintain airway
- Log roll patient
- Closely monitor VS and breathing
- Monitor for complications
- Turning every 2 hours to prevent skin breakdown
These interventions are critical for patient safety and health.
What are spinal cord tumors?
An abnormal growth of cells within or surrounding your spinal cord and/or spinal column
Tumors can be benign or malignant and require careful diagnosis.
What diagnostic methods are used for spinal cord tumors?
- CT
- MRI
- Biopsy
These diagnostics help determine the nature of the tumor.
What are common clinical manifestations of spinal cord tumors?
- Low back pain
- Numbness and tingling
- Weakness in distal extremities
- Urinary incontinence
- Bowel pattern changes
Symptoms can vary based on tumor location and size.
What treatments are available for spinal cord tumors?
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Stereotactic radiosurgery
Treatment plans depend on tumor type and patient health.
