SPINAL CHORD INJURY

Question 1

Give a brief description for a SCI

Answer 1

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is an insult to the spinal cord resulting in a change, either temporary or permanent, in the cord’s normal motor, sensory, or autonomic function.

Question 2

What is the Aetiology of a SCI?

Answer 2

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Falls
• # s due to Osteoporosis
• Tumors/metastasis
• Spondylosis

Question 3

What is the Pathophysiology of a SCI?

Answer 3

Spinal cord injury can be sustained through different mechanisms, with the following three common abnormalities leading to tissue damage:

• Destruction from direct trauma
• Compression by bone fragments, hematoma, or disk material
• Ischemia from damage or impingement on the spinal arteries

Question 4

Common Signs and Symptoms of a SCI

Answer 4

• Extreme pain or pressure in the neck, head, or back
• Tingling or loss of sensation in the hand, fingers, feet, or toes
• Partial or complete loss of control over any part of the body
• Urinary or bowel urgency, incontinence, or retention
• Difficulty with balance and walking
• Abnormal band-like sensations in the thorax—pain, pressure
• Impaired breathing after injury

Question 5

Common medical treatment / management for a SCI

Answer 5

• Surgery
• Traction
• Steroids

Question 6

Common Physio intervention for a SCI patient

Answer 6

• Maintain and strengthen innervated muscles
• Pulmonary rehab (if relevant)
• ROM of joints
• Facilitate functional patterns of movement

Question 7

What is the Prognosis for a SCI?

Answer 7

• If some sensory function is preserved, the chance that the patient will eventually be able to walk is greater than 50%
• 90% of patients with spinal cord injury return to their homes and regain independence

Question 8

What tests / objective ax. might you want to assess for SCI?

Answer 8

• Myotomes + Dermatomes (ASSESS LEVEL OF INJURY)
• Power
• Consider balance, coordination and proprioception