SCI's Flashcards
what are the 3 main impairments SCI causes?
Motor Impairments
Sensory Impairments
Autonomic Dysfunctions
Describe the motor impairments involved in a SCI
paralysis, spasticity, muscle atrophy, impaired fine motor control
Describe the sensory impairments involved in a SCI
loss of sensation, pressure sores, neuropathic pain
Describe the autonomic dysfunctions involved in a SCI
bowel and bladder incontinence, autonomic dysreflexia . Impaired thermoregulation
what is autonomic dysreflexia?
sudden, life-threatening high blood pressure triggered by stimuli like a full bladder or tight clothing
what is a Tetraplegic injury?
injuries involving T1 and above (upper limbs, trunk and lower limbs affected)
what is a Paraplegic injury?
injuries involving T2 and below (full function of upper limbs with trunk or limbs affected
what does the pattern of sensory loss in SCI depend on?
(i) segmental level of the injury (high or low?)
(ii) the location of the injury within the cord (anterior, posterior, central?)
(iii) The ascending spinal cord pathways affected
what is Monoplegia?
paralysis that affects one area of the body
what is Hemiplegia?
paralysis that affects one half of the body but not both.
what is Paraplegia?
paralysis that affects the body from the chest or waist down.
what is Hemiparesis?
weakness affecting one half of the body
what is Quadraparesis?
weakness affecting all four limbs
what does the Lateral corticospinal tract control?
the distal muscle groups
what does the Ventral corticospinal tract control?
proximal muscle groups
what 2 things can cortical spinal tract lesions produce?
Positive and Negative Signs
what are examples of NEGATIVE SIGNS from a cortical spinal tract lesion?
loss of normal function i.e. that normally controlled by the CST
example = loss of fractionation.
what are examples of POSITIVE SIGNS from a cortical spinal tract lesion?
abnormal responses to normal stimuli + abnormal motor behaviour
what is fractionation?
the ability to control individual isolated muscle groups
*(a loss of normal function and so constitutes a negative sign)
what are consequences of a Ventral CST lesion?
Cannot maintain upright posture
Cannot stand or walk
Subject may sit in slumped position
