SCI Flashcards
2 types of SCI
- traumatic
2. non-traumatic
non-traumatic SCIs can be caused by… (3)
- disease
- congenital
- Vascular malformations (same as CVA)
infection or inflammation that covers entire thickness of spinal cord
transverse myelitis
partial preservation of sensory/motor function found below neurological level. May still have contact w/ some spinal cord segments
incomplete injury
absence of sensory and motor function below the injury site
complete injury
levels caudal to the neurological level that remains partially innervated. Complete SCI only
zone of partial preservation
injury in the center of the spinal cord caused by a thrombus/clot or tumor. Greater weakness in UE than LE
central cord syndrome
injury site on 1/2 of the sc
Brown Sequard syndrome
brown sequard syndrome DML and ST tract loss…
DML: side of injury
ST: contralateral side
anterior cord syndrome loss/retention
loss: motor function, pain and temp below injury
retention: position and vibration sense below injury
posterior cord syndrome loss/retention
loss: position and vibration sense below injury
retention: motor function, pain and temp below injury
injury to lumbosacral nerve roots. A-reflexic bladder, bowel, and lower limbs affected
cauda equina lesion
motor loss=
UMN
voluntary mm contraction loss=
LMN
SCI pt education (3)
- body care
- energy conservation
- lifestyle changes
most common medical complicaiton following SCI
pressure ulcers
SCI pt position time frame for pressure relief during the day
every 15-20 min for 30 sec
SCI pt position time frame for pressure relief at night
turn every 2 hours
SCI positioning precautions
- spinal alignment
- maintain flexed grip
- autonomic dyreflexia
- lines/monitors
transfers start w/ slide board and ultimately want to get to…
swing pivot
triggered by noxious stimuli below level of injury (bladder/bowel)
Autonomic dysreflexia
autonomic dysreflexia systemic effects (2)
- hypertension
2. horner’s syndrome
pupillary contraction, loss of sweating on affected side of face
horner’s syndrome
autonomic dysreflexia tx (2)
- sit up
2. find/remove stimuli