Spinal Cord Injury Flashcards
What are the common causes of SCI?
Falls Sport RTAs Occupational accidents Assault Penetrating injuries Suicide
What is quadriplegia?
An injury in the cervical region of the spinal cord which affects all four extremities
What is paraplegia?
An injury in the thoracic, lumbar or sacral region of the spinal cord which affects two extremities
What is meant by a ‘complete’ SCI?
No information can pass beyond the level of the injury
What is meant by an ‘incomplete’ SCI?
Some information can pass beyond the level of the injury
What group of patient does central cord syndrome typically affect?
Older patients
Central cord syndrome is the result of a hyper extension injury. What structures compress the cord anteriorly and posterior lay in this condition?
Anterior - osteophytes
Posterior - ligament in flavum
What syndrome which affects a hemisection if the spinal cord can result from a penetrating injury such as stabbing?
Brown sequard syndrome
What symptoms result from brown sequard syndrome?
Paralysis on affected side
Loss of propeioception and fine discrimination on affected side
Pain and temperature loss on contralateral side
What causes cause equine syndrome?
Bony compression of the spinal cord or disc protrusions in the lumbar or sacral regions
What are the symptoms of cud’s equine syndrome?
Back pain
Bowel and bladder dysfunction
Leg numbness and weakness
Saddle paraesthesia
Acute spinal surgery to stabilise or decompress the spine improves neurological outcomes. T/F?
False but it does allow earlier rehabilitation
What is the name of the charts which are used to assess motor and sensory function?
Asia charts
What is spinal shock?
Suppression of all reflex,sensory and motor activity below the level of injury
The babibski reflex is one f the first to reappear following spinal shock. T/F?
True
What is neurogenic shock?
The body’s response to sudden loss of sympathetic control
Neurogenic shock occurs in people with an SCI at or above what level?
T6
What are the symptoms of neurogenic shock?
Hypotension
Bradycardia
Hypothermia
What are the symptoms of an UMN lesion?
Muscle weakness
Increased tone
Increased reflexes
What are the symptoms of a LMN lesion?
Muscle weakness and wasting
Reduced tone
Reduced reflexes
Fasiculations
UMn signs will be present in the lower limbs but the upper limbs will be normal if there is a lesion between what levels?
T3-12
LMN signs are present in the lower limbs and the upper limbs are normal if there is a lesion between what levels?
T12-S2
How can pressure sores in a patient with SCI cause death?
These provide a route for infection, infection may not be detected due to lack of sensation in patient this can lead to sepsis and death
Male reproductive ability is compromised by SCI. How is this treated?
Erection dysfunction treated with viagra or cialis
Lack of ejaculation treated with electroejqculation
Female reproductive function is compromised by SCI. T/F?
False but lack of sensation can lead to inability to enjoy intercourse
Why are suprapubic catheters used to treat bladder dysfunction in SCI patients?
To prevent infection
How can bowel dysfunction as a result of SCI be treated?
Diet management
Bowel regime
Manual evacuation
