SCI Pt. 1 Flashcards
The majority of traumatic SCI injuries result in ______
Quadriplegia
The majority of non-traumatic SCI injuries result in _____
Paraplegia
What are some causes of non-traumatic SCI
Cancer Infection + Inflammation Motor neuron disorders Vascular diseases Congenital
4 goals of early management for SCI
o spinal stability
o limiting neurological deficit and promote recovery
o minimize complications
o create environment for spinal column to heal
When is surgery warranted for a SCI
o unstable # or soft tissue injury,
o neuro symptoms getting worse
What is myelopathy
refers to pathology of the spinal cord - when due to trauma, it is known as spinal cord injury
What is a lumbar laminectomy
Surgery that helps to decompress the cauda equine/roots by removing portions of the lamina
What do you want maintain MAP as following SCI
80-100 mmHg
because the ANS is interrupted regulation of BP, temp, and HR is altered:
- if patient has fever make sure it’s not due to sepsis or other injuries
Why is it important to moinitor BP, temp and HR following SCI
because the ANS is interrupted regulation of BP, temp, and HR is altered:
- if patient has fever make sure it’s not due to sepsis or other injuries
2 forms of shock following SCI
Spinal shock
Neurogenic shock
What is spinal shock?
How long can it last?
Symptoms?
- temporary suppression of all reflex activity below level of injury
- can last weeks to months
- SYMPTOMS
i. areflexia
ii. flaccid paralysis below level of lesion
iii. loss of sensation below level of lesion
What marks the beginning of spinal resolution in spinal shock
the return of sacral reflexes
What is neurogenic shock?
When does it occur?
Symptoms?
- body’s reaction to sudden loss of sympathetic control
- occurs with injuries above T6
- SYMPTOMS:
i. decreased vasomotor tone = hypotension & hypothermia despite normal blood volume
ii. bradycardia (because of unopposed vagal stimulation of heart)
iii. can lead to metabolic issues
What does spine unstable mean?
Is there risk of additional injury?
What are the necessary precautions with these patients?
- column is assumed unstable
- +/- neuro deficits
- definite risk for additional injury
Pt must:
- maintain neutral spine at all times
- bed rest
- HOB at zero degrees
- 2-3 person turns at all times
What does spine stable but requires protection mean?
What are the necessary precautions with these patients?
What can the patient do independently?
What begins at this point?
- confirmed spinal column
- +/- neuro deficits
- Pt must maintain neutral spine at all times
- Pt can turn independent with neutral alignment
- mob and rehab begins
What does spine stable but requires protection mean?
What can the patient do independently?
What must be monitored closely when first mobilizing?
- injury decided stable by surgeon
- patient may do all movements of spine within comfort limits
- Pt may be taught to log roll with neutral spine
- watch for changes in BP when first mobilizing
- may use stockings, binders, or meds to help with postural hypotension**
Explain the ASIA scale
International standard for neurological classification of SCI
A= Complete. No motor of sensory function is preserved in the sacral segments S4-S5
B= Incomplete. Sensory but not motor function is preserved below the neurological level and includes the sacral segments S4-S5
C = Incomplete. Motor function is preserved below the neurological level and more than of key muscles below the neurological level have a muscle grade less than 3
D = Incomplete. Motor function is preserved below the neurological level and at least half of key muscles below the neurological level have a muscle grade of 3 or more
E = Normal: Motor and sensory function are normal
What is the normal reference for dermatomes
skin on cheek
What is tested on each point for dermatomes
light touch and pin prick
How many dermatomes are there
28
What are the grades for light touch
- Grade 0: absent
- Grade 1: altered, including hyperesthesia
- Grade 2: Pt normal
- NT = not tested
what are the response options for pin prick
Normal
Impaired (different from reference point)
Absent (unable to differentiate)
How do you test Sacral sensory
deep anal pressure
What does a present Deep anal pressure mean
Pt has a sensory incomplete injury ASIA B