Patho & Pathophis Spinal trauma Flashcards
How many vertebrae are there and what are they broken into
How are the spinal nerves connected to the spinal cord
Ventral - The efferent or motor fibers
Dorsal - The afferent or sensory fibers
What are dermatomes
Area of sensory innervation of skin by a specific spinal nerve
What are myotomes
These area where an area of muscle id innervated by a single spinal nerve
What are the usual causes of a SCI
SCI’s usually results from a fracture, dislocation of the vertebrae which compresses, stretches or tears the spinal cord
What kind of injuries could cause a SCI
Flexion injury (ruptures the posterior ligaments)
Hyperextension (ruptures the anterior ligaments)
Compression fractures (crushing of vertebrae forcing bony fragments into the spinal cord)
Flexion injury (tearing of ligamentous structures that normally support the spine)
What is the difference in spinal cord injuries
What is paraplegia
Impairment or loss of motor or sensory function in thoracic, lumbar, or sacral
segments
Arm function may be spared but trunk, legs & pelvic organs may be impaired
What is the difference in a complete injury and an incomplete injury in a SCI
What is central cord syndrome
This injury is predominately in the central grey matter.
Tract fibers are organized with arm fibers more central with legs being more lateral.
These are associated with fracture/dislocation & compression fractures
What is anterior cord syndrome
Usually from an anterior spinal artery infarction, usually occurs spontaneously may be secondary to trauma
What is brown sequard syndrome
Typically one sided spinal cord damage
SCI patho
Increased parasympathetic response cause bradycardia, hypotension and increased vascular permeability due to the vasodilation.
This then leads to the build up of oedema, loss of blood volume, and eventually clinical shock
Is spinal shock the same as neurogenic shock
No spinal shock is occuring shortly after a spinal cord injury, which can last 4-12 weeks showing signs of loss of spinal reflexes.
Neurogenic shock is the clinical manifestation of shock that arises from the spinal cord injury
What is autonomic dysreflexia (Hyperreflexia)
The patient has spinal shock but is now resolved with return of autonomic reflexes
C1 -T6 at risk (CNS control of spinal reflexes lost)
Sympathetic stimulation at site below injury
What are some medical emergencies that can come from hyperreflexia
Stroke, heart faliure, seizures, LOC, retinal heamorrhage, pulmonary oedema, renal insufficiency, MI, death with prolonged hypertention
What treatment options are there for hyperreflexia
Cause must be identified & removed/managed
Medication to lower BP
What are some deformations of the spine
What is Torocollis (Wry Neck)
This is external deformation, neck twisted to one side with chin protruding on opposite s
