SCI Flashcards
What’s quadriplegia? What level of spinal cord injury?
Any degree of paralysis of four limbs and trunk musculature
SCI C1-C7
(Injury of spinal nerves C1-C8)
Psychosocial issues of SCI (9)
Depression Anxiety Vulnerability Body image Relationship trouble Identity crisis Stigma Sense if self worth Loneliness
What’s paraplegia? What SCI level?
Impairment in motor or sensory function of the lower extremities
T1 and below
What SCI level still has good use of hands but poor trunk control?
T1-T8
What’s the most common SCI?
Between C5-C6 vertebrae (aka C6 SCI)
Precautions with SCI
Autonomic dysreflexia Pressure sores Orthostatic hypotension Decreased vital capacity Heterotrophic ossification Temp regulation Neck stability
What does the level of SCI designate?
The level of SCI designates the last fully functioning neurologic segment of the cord.
What’s ASIA?
American spinal injury association
What’s the ASIA impairment scale? Name the levels.
Classifies injury type.
Type A: complete lesion (no motor or sensory)
Type B: incomplete lesion, no motor function but sensory is intact
Type C: incomplete lesion, major motor functions intact but at level 3 (fair) or below
Type D: incomplete lesion, major motor functions intact at level 3 (fair) or above
Type E: no impairment
Prognosis for recovery: initial factors for complete SCI
If there is no sensation or return of motor function below level of lesion within 24-48hrs post injury, motor function is less likely to occur
Prognosis for recovery: incomplete lesions?
Progressive return is more likely but unpredictable
Prognosis for recovery: 5 general guidelines
- Depends on severity of injury
- Incomplete more likely to recover than complete
- Most recovery occurs within 1st few weeks
- Recovery not dependent on hard work
- Rehab does not affect degree of recovery. Instead, rehab is to prevent further medical complications and improve strength and skill, optimize life possibilities.
Simplified trick for remembering SCI C4-C8
C4 - shrug (should elevation/traps) C5 - hug (shoulder flex/deltoid, biceps) C6 - waitress (wrist ext) C7 - sneaky tips (triceps, wrist flex) C8 - muscle man (fingers & wrist flex)
Signs of skin breakdown (3)
- Reddening skin, then blanches when pressed
- The reddened area does not blanch
- Blister/ulceration
OT evaluation of SCI (8)
- Review medical precautions
- PROM - prior to MMT & to assess for contractures/need for splints
- MMT
- Sensation (light touch, superficial pain, kinesthesia)
- Spasticity - enhance or interfere with function?
- Hand function - needed equipment
- Clinical observation - endurance, oral motor control, head & trunk control, total body function
- Cognitive/perceptual eval
OT intervention objectives (11)
- Collaborative
- Individualization
* both lead to increased participation - Maintain/increase ROM - A/PROM, splint, position, educate
- Increase strength of innervated muscles
- Increase endurance
- Maximize independence in all areas of occupation
- Aid psychosocial adjustment
- DME
- Home eval/modification
- Develop communication skills to direct caregiving
- Educate ct & family regarding benefits/consequences of lifestyle choices, habits, etc.
OT intervention approaches: 1st phase (5)
- Immobilization phase
a) precautions - no flex/ext/rot spine/neck
b) eval body positioning & hand splinting (maintain functional position, dorsal to preserve sensation)
c) active & active assist ROM within strength, ability, & tolerance levels
d) encourage/support participation in ADLs etc with AD
e) initiate discussion of anticipated DME, home mods, caregiver training
OT intervention approaches: 2nd phase (7)
- Active Phase (mobilization)
a) develop w/c & upright tolerance
b) determine method for relieving sitting pressure
c) A/PROM to prevent contractures, splint as needed, develop tenodesis grip as indicated
d) progressive resistive exercises & resistive activities - focus on shoulder musculature *needed for transfers & weight shifts
e) prescribe AD/DME, however always attempt to have ct perform activity without first
f) increased participated in ADLs
g) continued psychosocial support - encourage expression
Methods for relieving sitting pressure (3) & how often?
- F+ strength in shoulders & elbows - lean forward over feet using cotton loops over forearms for support
- C7 w/ F+ in triceps - full depression lift off arms of w/c *
- some ct’s w/ C6 can do the above by locking elbows while ext. rot. shoulders
* weight shifts should be done every 30-60min
OT intervention approaches: post d/c
- Adaptive driving
- Home mgmt
- Leisure activities
- Work skill assessment