Spinal cord Flashcards
What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
Spinal Cord Injury is damage to the spinal cord, which is part of the nervous system and the largest nerve in the body.
What are efferent and afferent messages?
Efferent messages are sent from the brain to the body, instructing body parts to move. Afferent messages are sent from the body to the brain, informing it about sensations.
How can spinal cord communication be compared to a telephone system?
The spinal cord is like a telephone cable that sends messages between the brain (main office) and body parts (individual offices) over nerve fibers (telephone lines).
What protects the spinal cord?
The spinal cord is surrounded and protected by bones called vertebrae, which are stacked on top of each other.
What are the four sections of the spinal column?
The spinal column is divided into cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral sections.
What is a lesion in the context of spinal cord injuries?
The area of damage in a spinal cord injury is referred to as a lesion.
How does a spinal cord injury differ from other back injuries?
A spinal cord injury involves damage to the spinal cord, while other back injuries may involve broken vertebrae without affecting the spinal cord.
What are the three types of spinal cord injuries?
The three types of spinal cord injuries are bruise (pinching), flex (overextension), and break (severing).
What happens immediately following a spinal cord injury?
There is often swelling that interferes with the nerves’ ability to function.
What is the difference between complete and incomplete spinal cord injuries?
A complete injury means no motor or sensory function in the S4 or S5 area, while an incomplete injury has some motor or sensory function present.
What factors influence recovery from an incomplete spinal cord injury?
Recovery depends on the amount of damage to each person’s nerve fibers, making it difficult to predict outcomes.
What are common causes of spinal cord injuries?
Common causes include motor vehicle accidents, falls (especially after age 65), acts of violence, sports injuries, alcohol, and disease.
What treatments are available for spinal cord injuries?
Treatments may include medication, surgery, and ongoing care to prevent secondary problems.
What is the focus of treatment after a spinal cord injury stabilizes?
The focus shifts to preventing secondary problems like deconditioning, muscle contractures, pressure ulcers, and infections.
What happens after hospitalization for a spinal cord injury?
Individuals are often transferred to a rehabilitation center once stable enough.
What is the focus of care after stabilizing a spinal cord injury?
Preventing secondary complications such as deconditioning, muscle contractures, pressure ulcers, bowel and bladder issues, respiratory infections, and blood clots.
What determines the length of hospitalization for spinal cord injury patients?
The condition and the medical issues the individual is facing.
What professionals are involved in the rehabilitation of spinal cord injury patients?
Physical therapist, occupational therapist, rehabilitation nurse, rehabilitation psychologist, social worker, dietitian, recreation therapist, and a doctor specializing in physical medicine or spinal cord injuries.
What is emphasized during the initial stages of rehabilitation?
Maintenance and strengthening of existing muscle function, redeveloping fine motor skills, and learning adaptive techniques for day-to-day tasks.
What education do individuals receive after a spinal cord injury?
Education on the effects of the injury, prevention of complications, advice on rebuilding life, and increasing quality of life.
What types of medications may be used for spinal cord injury management?
Medications to control pain, muscle spasticity, and improve bladder control, bowel control, and sexual functioning.
What are some examples of new technologies for spinal cord injury patients?
Modern wheelchairs, computer adaptations, electronic aids to daily living, electrical stimulation devices, and robotic gait training.
How do modern wheelchairs assist spinal cord injury patients?
They are improved and lighter weight, making individuals more mobile and comfortable.
What are computer adaptations for spinal cord injury patients?
Tools that help individuals with limited hand function operate computers, ranging from simple key guards to complex voice recognition systems.
What are electronic aids to daily living (EADL)?
Devices that use electricity and can be controlled by switches, voice, or computer-based remotes.
What do electrical stimulation devices do for spinal cord injury patients?
They use electrical stimulation to help individuals stand, walk, reach, and grip.
What is robotic gait training?
An emerging technology used for retraining walking ability after a spinal cord injury.
