Spinal Trauma

Question 1

What is an example of a distraction injury?

Answer 1

Hanging

Question 2

When do compression injuries commonly happen?

Answer 2

Falling on head

Question 3

What is a transection cord injury?

Answer 3

Injury that partially or completely severs the spinal cord

Question 4

What is seen with a complete transection cord injury at the cervical spine?

Answer 4

Quadriplegia, incontinence, respiratory paralysis

Question 5

What is seen with a complete transection cord injury below t1?

Answer 5

Incontinence and paraplegia

Question 6

What is brown sequards syndrome?

Answer 6

Partial cut to the spinal cord causing loss of sensation and movements to one side of body

Question 7

What occurs in neurogenic shock?

Answer 7

Loss of sympathetic tone and autonomic nervous system loses sympathetic control over adrenal medulla

Question 8

What happens to arteries and veins in neurogenic shock?

Answer 8

Dilation

Question 9

What happens to cardiac preload in neurogenic shock?

Answer 9

Decreases

Question 10

Reduction of the strength of contractions (frank starling reflex) is associated with?

Answer 10

Neurogenic shock

Question 11

What are the signs and symptoms of neurogenic shock?

Answer 11

Bradycardia; hypotension; cool, moist and pale skin above injury; dry and flushed skin below injury, priapism

Question 12

What is the treatment for neurogenic shock?

Answer 12

Isotonic solution (20ml/kg)
Dopamine 2-20mcg/kg/min
Atropine 0.5-1 mg q 3-5 minutes