spinal cord

Question 1

Which primary spinal cord injury is likely to cause the most dysfunction?

Answer 1

Transection

Question 2

Which autonomic responses produce autonomic dysreflexia?

Answer 2

Peripheral vasoconstriction below T6
Peripheral vasodilation above T6

Question 3

Which spinal cord regions are at highest risk of mechanical injury?

Answer 3

C1-C7
T10-L2

Question 4

pathogenesis of neurogenic shock

Answer 4

Parasympathetic overactivation
Systemic vasodilation
Decreased MAP
↓ Cardiac output
Tissue hypoperfusion
Multi-organ failure

Question 5

Cord concussion result

Answer 5

temporary loss of spinal cord function

Question 6

Cord contusion

Answer 6

Spinal cord “bruising” and swelling; temporary loss of spinal cord function

Question 7

Cord compression result

Answer 7

May cause local cord ischemia

Question 8

Cord laceration

Answer 8

Due to cuts from bone fracture; may result in permanent loss of spinal cord function

Question 9

Cord transection

Answer 9

Severance of spinal cord from bone fracture; permanent loss of spinal cord function

Question 10

pathogenesis of secondary spinal cord injury (6)

Answer 10

1. Hemorrhage
2. Local edema and ischemia
3. Cord swelling
4. Neuroinflammation
5. Necrosis
6. Glial scarring

Question 11

order of primary injury from mild to severe (5)

Answer 11

concussion
contusion
compression
laceration
transection

Question 12

autonomic dysreflexia (cause and complications)

Answer 12

high spinal cord injury (T6)
stroke, seizure and death

Question 13

signs of autonomic dysreflexia

Answer 13

HTN and bradycardia
- pale/cold below T6
- flushed/sweaty above T6

Question 14

spinal shock (signs)

Answer 14

transient paralysis below injury
flaccid paralysis
dysreflexia/areflexia
loss of sensation

Question 15

primary spinal cord injury (cause, location)

Answer 15

occurs at time of injury
cause: fracture or dislocation
location: cervical and thoracolumbar (T10‐L2)