SCI Flashcards
Types of Paralysis
Tetraplegia/Quadriplegia: Caused by cervical injury; 4 limbs and trunk affected; may have partial UE function depending on level of injury.
Paraplegia: Thoracic/lumbar/sacral injury; paralysis of LEs with involvement of trunk, legs, feet, toes depending on level of injury.
Complete vs. Incomplete SCI
Determined by client’s voluntary motor control/sensation in anal area (S4-5). (ASIA Scale shows degree of complete/incomplete.)
Complete: No sensory function at S4-5.
- ASIA A: no sensory function
- ZPP (zone of partial preservation): has some strength/sensation below level of injury in a ASIA A
Incomplete: Some degree of voluntary motor control/sensation at S4-5.
- ASIA B: sensory incomplete; sensation, but no motor control below level.
- ASIA C: motor incomplete; some motor function and > 1/2 of key muscles grade <3.
- ASIA D: motor incomplete: same as C but muscle grade 3 or more.
- ASIA E: normal sensation and motor control.
Orthostatic Hypotension
Decreased blood pressure (20 mm Hg or more systolic). Common in acute phase of rehab when pt moves from supine to upright or changes position quickly. Allow pt to adjust slowly to upright sitting. Immediately recline pt and elevate legs.
Remember: BP Low = Recline (get low)
Autonomic Dysreflexia
Abnormal response to problem in body below level of SCI. Medical emergency! Often in level T6 or above. Autonomic nervous system reflex to stimulus such as full bladder/bowel, kidney stone, constipation, infection, pressure sore, ingrown toenail, thermal/pain stimuli, deep vein thrombosis, or broken bone. Increased blood pressure (20 to 40 mm Hg or higher than normal BP); remedy by sitting pt upright.
Symptoms: immediate pounding headache, anxiety, perspiration, flushing, goose bumps above level, nasal congestion, bradycardia.
Remember: BP High = Sit Upright (get high)
How to prevent pressure injuries
- Skin checks
- Relieve pressure
- Routine repositioning
- Keep dry
- Good nutrition/hydration
- Properly fitting clothing/shoes
Surgical Managements of SCI
Open reduction with internal fixation and spinal fusion used to decompress SC and achieve stability/normal bone alignment.
Surgery not always necessary; immobilization may allow for healing.
Medical Managements of SCI
- Axial Traction on neck
- Specialized beds
- Cervical collar
- Halo vest
- Thoracic brace
- Body jacket
- Steroid use in first 24-48 hr. not definitive (still being studied)
- Emerging: Cooling measures (hypothermia); Pharmacologic Neuroprotective Agents
Intervention for SCI
- Upright sitting tolerance program
- Prevent movement of spine/neck
- Stabilization and decompression are initial goals
Neurogenic Bladder
Inability to empty bladder, incontinence, frequent urination, UTI
• Spastic/Reflex Bladder = T12 or higher; no control when it empties
• Flaccid Bladder = T12 to L1; inability to detect when full
Both come with risk of overstretching/rupture.
Neurogenic Bowel
Bowel incontinence; constipation; impaction.
• Reflex/Upper Motor Neuron Bowel = Above T12; anal sphincter closed but opens on reflex when rectum full (use digital rectal stimulation and stimulant meds to manage)
• Areflectic Bowel = Lesions in lumbar/sacral; reduced reflex control of sphincter; prone to accidents (manage with digital stimulation)
OT Goals in Acute Phase vs. Inpatient Rehab
Acute Care: Intensive care unit; pt most fragile. GOALS: preserve joint integrity/mobility when positioning and early mobilization; restore function through self-care training; initiate education and training of family/caregivers; coordinate care, including prep for next level.
Inpatient Rehab: Once pt medically stable; time spent depends on many factors (at least 3 hr/day, 5-6 days/wk). GOALS: introduce importance of self-mgmt (incl proactivity, self-monitoring, prob solving, communicating, organization, stress mgmt); collaborate with pt in setting realistic/attainable goals; educate on transportation, emergency prep, community resources, nutrition, bladder/bowel mgmt, skin care; autonomic dysreflexia, pain mgmt, sexuality.
List Clinical Syndromes of SCI
1) Central Cord Syndrome
2) Brown-Séquard Syndrome
3) Anterior Spinal Cord Syndrome
4) Conus Medullaris Syndrome
5) Cauda Equina Syndrome
Central Cord Syndrome
Most common incomplete SCI; when more damage to center of cord than periphery. Often result of cervical hyperextension such as falls or older adults with arthritic changes that caused narrowing of spinal canal.
Symptoms: paralysis greater in hands/arms than trunk/LEs; Bladder dysfunction; sensory loss below level; painful sensations (tingling, burning, dull aching).
Brown-Séquard Syndrome (Lateral Damage)
When only one side of cord is damaged; stabbing or GSW; Below level has motor paralysis/loss of proprioception on ipsilateral side; Loss of pain/temp/touch on contralateral side.
Anterior Spinal Cord Syndrome
From injury that damages anterior spinal artery or anterior aspect of cord. Paralysis and loss of pain/temp/touch. Proprioception is preserved.