spinal cord injuries

Question 1

what are direct injuries to the spinal cord

Answer 1

They are often open injuries where the dura mater is compromised and neural tissue is damaged. typically penetrating injuries like stab wounds, gunshot or other missile woulds.

Question 2

open injuries

Answer 2

when dura mater is compromised

Question 3

what are indirect injuries to the spinal cord?

Answer 3

closed injuries, where dura is not broken or compromised. examples are hyperflexion injuries, crush injuries, hyperextension injuries, like whip lash.

Question 4

what does complete cervical cord severence result in?

Answer 4

paralysis

Question 5

after a spinal cord injury, what function is lost?

Answer 5

voluntary motor function will be lost at all levels below the injury. There will be upper motor neuron signs present.

Question 6

what happens below the level of an SCI?

Answer 6

muscles remain innervated by their peripheral nerves

Question 7

how are dermatomes useful in pinpointing level of spinal cord injury?

Answer 7

the dermatome at which a patient can no longer feel a pin prick can fairly accurately target the level at which the injury occurred.