spinal cord injury and rehab

Question 1

what is a quadriplegic injury

Answer 1

impairment or loss of motor and sensory function in the cervical segment due to damage or neural elements with the spinal canal
includes arms, legs, trunk and pelvic organs

Question 2

what is a paraplegic injury

Answer 2

impairment or loss of motor and sensory function in the thoracic or lumbar segment due to damage or neural elements with the spinal canal
includes legs, trunk (depends on level of injury) and pelvic organs

Question 3

what is a complete spinal injury

Answer 3

absence of motor and sensory function in the lowest sacral segment

Question 4

what is an incomplete spinal cord injury

Answer 4

partial preservation of sensory or motor function below the neurological level which includes the lowest sacral segment

Question 5

what functional deficits follow spinal cord injury

Answer 5

loss of mobility, sensation, breathing problems, abnormal sensations, autonomic dysfunction, sexual and bowel dysfunction

Question 6

describe autonomic dysreflexia

Answer 6

occurs with injuries above T5-T6
symptoms include sypathetic activation - sweating, increased BP
can lead to stroke

Question 7

what is highest priority recovery in quadreplegic patients

Answer 7

arm and hand function

Question 8

whats the highest priority recovery in paraplegics

Answer 8

sexual function