spinal cord injury Flashcards
primary injury mechanisms
shearing laceration acute stretching sudden acceleratoin-deceleration - happen at time of trauma
secondary injury mechanisms
free radicals inflammation ionic hemostasis desynchronization apoptosis energy failure, decreased ATP immune cell invasion release of cytokines - after trauma
flexion injury
whiplash injury
most unstable
forward dislocation
ruptured posterior ligaments
hyperextension injury
ruptured anterior ligament
most common
hitting chin on something with force
compression injury
vertical blow to head
- more common with younger pt
compression of spinal cord
fractured vertebrae
central cord syndrome
bilateral loss of motor function in the upper bot not lower extremities
- pain and temperature reduced
- proprioception and vibration intact
anterior cord syndrome
loss of motor function, touch, pain, and temperature sensation below the level fo the lesion
-proprioception and vibration intact
brown-sequard syndrome
loss of ipsilateral motor, touch, proprioception, and vibration, as well as contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensation
spinal shock
temporary dysfunction of spinal cord, with loss of reflexes and sensorimotor function below the level of injury.
-recover in 24-48 hours
neurogenic shock
injury above T3
loss of sympathetic tone to the peripheral vasculature and heart
present with bradycardia, hypotension, and hypoventilation in high spinal cord injuries
autonomic hyperreflexia
injuries at the T6 and above
vasoconstriction and sympathetic response below the level of lesion and compensatory parasypmathetic response above the level of the lesion
autonomic hyperreflexia s/s
hypertension, headache, sweating, flushing or pallor above the level of lesion, and bradycardia
common precipitants for autonomic hyperreflexia
bladder distention uti genital stimulation urologic procedures catheterization
