SCI Physiology/Management

Question 1

What are two mechanisms of SCI?

Answer 1

Traumatic: flexion or hyperext. injury, compression, penetration
Non-Traumatic: ischemic, vertebral disc prolapse, tumor, congenital

Question 2

Characteristics of 2 stages in SCI?

Answer 2

1. initial, immediate mechanical injury

2. biochemical changes that lead to increased dysfunction

Question 3

Primary phase of SCI can be caused by what? What are some signs?

Answer 3

laceration, distraction, compression

signs: hemorrhage, edema, ischemia

Question 4

Secondary phase of SCI (acute) involves what?

Answer 4

spinal shock, vascular dysfunction, membrane dys-regulation, neurotransmitter toxicity

Question 5

Secondary phase of SCI (subacute) involves what?

Answer 5

free radical injury, lipid peroxidation, immune associated neurotoxity, Astrocytic glial scar formation

Question 6

Secondary phase of SCI (chronic) involves what?

Answer 6

glial scar formation, nogo receptors

Question 7

3 main components evaluated during SCI?

Answer 7

1. displacement
2. stability
3. biology

Question 8

What are some neuroprotective pharmacologic interventions?

Answer 8

manage edema- steroids or hypothermia
reduce excitoxicity- CA2+ blockers
reduce free radicals- methylprednisolone

Question 9

What types of surgical interventions can be done?

Answer 9

surgical stabilization
external stabilization with closed reduction
external with halo