Spinal Cord Injury

Question 1

What are the common causes of SCI?

Answer 1

Falls
Sport
RTAs
Occupational accidents
Assault
Penetrating injuries
Suicide

Question 2

What is quadriplegia?

Answer 2

An injury in the cervical region of the spinal cord which affects all four extremities

Question 3

What is paraplegia?

Answer 3

An injury in the thoracic, lumbar or sacral region of the spinal cord which affects two extremities

Question 4

What is meant by a ‘complete’ SCI?

Answer 4

No information can pass beyond the level of the injury

Question 5

What is meant by an ‘incomplete’ SCI?

Answer 5

Some information can pass beyond the level of the injury

Question 6

What group of patient does central cord syndrome typically affect?

Answer 6

Older patients

Question 7

Central cord syndrome is the result of a hyper extension injury. What structures compress the cord anteriorly and posterior lay in this condition?

Answer 7

Anterior - osteophytes

Posterior - ligament in flavum

Question 8

What syndrome which affects a hemisection if the spinal cord can result from a penetrating injury such as stabbing?

Answer 8

Brown sequard syndrome

Question 9

What symptoms result from brown sequard syndrome?

Answer 9

Paralysis on affected side
Loss of propeioception and fine discrimination on affected side
Pain and temperature loss on contralateral side

Question 10

What causes cause equine syndrome?

Answer 10

Bony compression of the spinal cord or disc protrusions in the lumbar or sacral regions

Question 11

What are the symptoms of cud’s equine syndrome?

Answer 11

Back pain
Bowel and bladder dysfunction
Leg numbness and weakness
Saddle paraesthesia

Question 12

Acute spinal surgery to stabilise or decompress the spine improves neurological outcomes. T/F?

Answer 12

False but it does allow earlier rehabilitation

Question 13

What is the name of the charts which are used to assess motor and sensory function?

Answer 13

Asia charts

Question 14

What is spinal shock?

Answer 14

Suppression of all reflex,sensory and motor activity below the level of injury

Question 15

The babibski reflex is one f the first to reappear following spinal shock. T/F?

Answer 15

True

Question 16

What is neurogenic shock?

Answer 16

The body’s response to sudden loss of sympathetic control

Question 17

Neurogenic shock occurs in people with an SCI at or above what level?

Answer 17

T6

Question 18

What are the symptoms of neurogenic shock?

Answer 18

Hypotension
Bradycardia
Hypothermia

Question 19

What are the symptoms of an UMN lesion?

Answer 19

Muscle weakness
Increased tone
Increased reflexes

Question 20

What are the symptoms of a LMN lesion?

Answer 20

Muscle weakness and wasting
Reduced tone
Reduced reflexes
Fasiculations

Question 21

UMn signs will be present in the lower limbs but the upper limbs will be normal if there is a lesion between what levels?

Answer 21

T3-12

Question 22

LMN signs are present in the lower limbs and the upper limbs are normal if there is a lesion between what levels?

Answer 22

T12-S2

Question 23

How can pressure sores in a patient with SCI cause death?

Answer 23

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

Question 24

Male reproductive ability is compromised by SCI. How is this treated?

Answer 24

Erection dysfunction treated with viagra or cialis

Lack of ejaculation treated with electroejqculation

Question 25

Female reproductive function is compromised by SCI. T/F?

Answer 25

False but lack of sensation can lead to inability to enjoy intercourse

Question 26

Why are suprapubic catheters used to treat bladder dysfunction in SCI patients?

Answer 26

To prevent infection

Question 27

How can bowel dysfunction as a result of SCI be treated?

Answer 27

Diet management
Bowel regime
Manual evacuation