Spinal Cord Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injury

Question 1

Hyperextension neck injuries sxs

Answer 1

1. hx of rear end collision, posterior compression of vertebral column, fx of one side of vertebral arch, teardrop fx

Question 2

Hyperflexion Neck Injuries

Answer 2

1. Rapid deceleration or sudden and excessive force pulling head to one side

Question 3

Vertical Compression Injuries

Answer 3

1. Vertical force, diving fx, body and vertebral arch are crushed, sending bony fragments into vertebral canal

Question 4

Total Cord Transection

Answer 4

1. Results in immediate flaccid paralysis and loss of sensation below lesion → spastic paraplegia or quadriplegia

Question 5

Unilateral Cord transection

Answer 5

1. Brown sequard syndrome

2. Ipsilateral motor disturbance and impairment of proprioception, contralateral loss of pain and pressure below lesion

Question 6

Central cord syndrome

Answer 6

1. Lower motor neuron deficit upper extremities, loss of pain and temperature, sparing of posterior column function. Loss of motor function in arms, incomplete loss of motor function in torso

Question 7

Tx for SC injury

Answer 7

ABCs, immobilization, STAT neurosurgical evaluation, ICU monitoring

Question 8

Concussion SXS

Answer 8

HA, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, double vision, phonophobia, photophobia, drowsiness, fatigue/lethargy, irritability, depression, anxiety, somnolence, difficulty falling asleep, feeling slowed down or in a fog, poor concentration, poor memory. GCS=13-15