Spinal Cord Injury

Question 1

What is the most common cause of SPI?

Answer 1

MVA

Question 2

What are the most susceptible spinal levels for SPI?

Answer 2

lvl. ect

Question 3

What is tetraplegia?

Answer 3

All for limbs affected and the injury is in the cervical area.

Question 4

What is the most common mechanism of injury?

Answer 4

Cervical flexion and rotation

Question 5

What are some medical interventions?

Answer 5

Immobilization
Bracing (halo, tortoise shell, Philadelphia collars)
Skeletal traction
Surgery (fusion, bone graft, internal fixation devices)
Pharmacologic
Decrease hemorrhage and ischemia
Methylprednisolone (corticosteroid)

Question 6

What is Spinal Shock?

Answer 6

Immediately after injury due to interruption of pathways between brain and spinal cord
Characterized by:
Flaccidity
Areflexia
Loss of bowel and bladder function
Autonomic deficits (decreased arterial blood pressure, poor temperature regulation below the level of the injury)
Can last from 24 hrs to several weeks