Spinal Cord Injury- Complete C7 Tetraplegia CAT Flashcards
1
Q
Clinical presentation for C7 SCI complete tetraplegia
A
- Spinal shock occurs blow the level of the lesion
- Total flaccid paralysis
- Loss of all reflexes and sensation
2
Q
Spinal shock
A
Total depression of all nervous system function below the level of lesion
3
Q
What surgical intervention may be required after C7 SCI
A
Decompression and fusion at the site of injury to stabilize the spinal cord
4
Q
What happens as spinal shock subsides
A
- An increase in muscle tone
- Neurologic reflexes reappear
- Spasticity will evolve and may become problematic
- Autonomic dysreflexia and loss of thermoregulation may occur
5
Q
Specific C7 SCI presentation
A
- Impaired cough and ability to clear secretion
- Altered breathing pattern
- Poor endurance
6
Q
Focus of PT w/ C7 SCI
A
- ROM
- Positioning
- Respiratory management (cough, secretion clearance, postural drainage, incentive spirometry)
- Strengthening and muscle substitution
- Head-hips relationship
7
Q
What are the lowest innervated muscles w/ C7 SCI?
A
- Triceps
- Extensor pollicis longus and brevis
- Extrensic finger extensors
- Flexor carpi radialis
8
Q
Life expectancy after C7 SCI
A
40% will live past 45 years
