Spinal Cord Injury

Question 1

Spinal cord injury

Answer 1

Not always associated with a Bony injury t the vertebrae.

Paraplegia- paraylsis at or below T2

Tetraplegia/Quadriplegia - paralysis T2 and above (involves majority of the body inc. arms and legs)

Question 2

Clinical features

Answer 2

Spinal shock 
Autonomic dysfunction 
Cardiovascular 
Thermoregulation 
Autonomic dysseflexia 
Sexual dysfunction 
Weakness
Balance problems 
Bladder & bowel symptoms 
Spasticity 
Pain 
Spasms 
Sensory changes

Question 3

Outcome measure

Answer 3

ASIA Scale (motor, strength and sensory)

Spinal cord independent measure 
Waking index for SCI 
The Quadriplegia index of function 
Walking index for SCI 
10m walk test 
CHART - the craig handicap assessment and reporting technique. 
CCR - Canadian c-spine rules

Question 4

Guidelines

Answer 4

ACSM strengthening - 8-12 reps 1-3sets 2-3 times a week.

ACSM stretching - 15-30sec hold 2-5times aim for a 60sec total stretch. 2-3 days a week.

NICE Guidelines - cardio metabolic to engage in at least 30 mins of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise 3 times a week.

NICE Guidelines - cardiorespiratory and muscle strength to engage in at least 20mins moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise at least 2 times per week. Plus complete 3 sets of strength training at least 2 times a week.

Question 5

Scenario

Answer 5

Transferring from wheel chair to chair or car.

Education on how to get from lying in bed to sitting on the side of the bed. Dig in elbows, push up and go onto hands. Move legs off the side of the bed using hands and swivel bottom around.