SCI Flashcards
what level does SC end at
L1
What level is Conus medularis
L1
vertebral level vs spinal level
vertebral: level of vertebra on spine
spinal: level where that cord is
where will cauda equina injury be
BELOW L1
at L1 is conus medularis
posterior cord syndrome
DCML is affected
iatrogenic cause - medical error: ex back surgery and surgeon effed up
usually bilat but occasional uinilat
ALS and CST are spared
anterior cord syndrome
hyperflexion injury
bilateral
CST and STT are affected
DCML is spared
central cord syndrome
hyperextension injury
small lesion - CST because crosses in center
larger lesion - MUD-E
motor>sensory, UE, distal, extension
best walking prognosis
Brown sequard syndrome
aka hemi-cord syndrome
gunshot wound or stab
ipsilateral DCML and CST involvement BELOW injury level
contralateral ALS involvement AT and BELOW
cauda equina
location
sensory
motor
type
location: unilateral and assymetrical of legs, thighs, perineum, back
sensory: saddle anesthesia, and unilateral, asymmetrical
motor: asymmetric
type: LMN
conus medularis
location
sensory
motor
type
location: thigh, perineum
sensory: saddle anesthesia, bilateral, symmetrical
motor: symmetric
type: UMN and LMN
sensory level SCI
most caudal level that has normal sensory function: both 2/2 and only 2’s above
2/2=intact
1/2=feels different
0/2= no sensation
motor level SCI
most caudal level on BOTH sides of body with a 3 and only 5’s above
neurological/functional level SCI
most caudal segment of SC with normal sensory and motor function on BOTH sides of body
ASIA A
Complete
No sensory or motor function at S4,S5
ASIA B
Incomplete
Sensory at S4,S5
NO motor
ASIA C
incomplete
LESS THAN HALF below NLI have ≥3/5
ASIA D
incomplete
AT LEAST HALF below NLI have ≥3/5
ASIA E
Normal
motor and sensory function is NORMAL
complications with SCI and PT interventions
cardiac: orthostatic hypotension, autonomic dysreflecia
pulmonary: respiratory dysfunction
GU: urinary and bowel retention (can also have incontinence)
integumentary: pressure ulcers
MSK: contracture, weakness, tone
autonomic dysreflexia/hyperreflexia
At or above T6
Due to noxious stim below NLI
diagnostic: SBP raises 20-30mmHg
more common in chronic stage (3-6 months after injury)
more common with complete SCI
bowel/bladder signs of AD
increased SBP: 20-30mmHg
painful stim below level of lesion signs of AD
decreased HR
GI irritation signs of AD
severe headache, anxiety
sexual activity signs of AD
blurry vision, constricted pupils