SCI Pathophysiology

Question 1

Dorsal Columns

Answer 1

Ascending tracts
Ascend Ipsilaterally
Carry sensations of fine/light/discriminative touch, proprioception, kinesthesia and vibration

Question 2

Spinothalamic Tract

Answer 2

Ascending tracts
Ascend several levels and then Cross Over and ascend contralaterally
Carry sensations of crude touch, deep pressure, pain, and temperature

Question 3

Corticospinal Tract

Answer 3

Descending Motor tracts
Start in Primary Motor Area of the Brain
Cross over in Medullary Pyramids (Pyramidal Tract)
Descend on the same side as the motor effector (ie: muscles in the leg); when considering SC damage, the involvement is ipsilateral

Question 4

Complete Lesion

Answer 4

No sensory nor motor function is preserved in the sacral segments S4-S5 = “No sacral sparing”
D/t complete transection, compression, or vascular impairment of the cord

Question 5

Incomplete Lesion

Answer 5

Sparing of some amount of sensory and/or motor function below the level of injury and includes sacral segments S4-S5
Can be d/t contusion, swelling in the spinal canal or partial transection of the cord

Question 6

Neurological Level of Injury (NLI)

Answer 6

The most caudal segment of the spinal cord with normal motor and sensory function on both sides