TBI and SCI Flashcards
Incidence and concomitance of TBI and SCI
SCI = 12,000 new injury per year
TBI presents in 60% of people with SCI
SCI Complete injury
almost all or all feeling (sensory) and all motor function lost below the spinal cord injury
SCI incomplete injury
feeling (sensory) and or ability to control motor function is partially preserved
SCI paralysis
paralysis of the body below the level of the spinal cord injury
paraplegia
trunk, legs, and pelvic organs are paralyzed
tetraplegia
arms, hands, legs, and pelvic organs are all affected (paralyzed)
SCI and skin care needs
skin is vulnerable to pressure ulcers due to lack of sensation and pressure over bony prominences
- caregiver and pt must inspect bony prominences 2x/ day
- frequent position change in bed and weight shifting chair
- may need reminders due to cognition and caregiver help due to diminished mobility
SCI and bowel care
bowel functions controlled by sacral spinal nerves
may cause incontinence without intervention
SCI above T-12
- may lack sensation but anal sphincter is tight
- Upper motor neuron or reflex bowel
- continent evacuation can be simulated through a bowel regimen procedure
SCI below T-12
- Lower motor neuron or areflexic bowel
- defectation reflex and anal sphincter affected
- management may require bowel regimen with greater frequency
SCI bladder care needs
level of injury may result in
- reflex or spastic bladder (upper motor neuron damage)
- flaccid bladder (lower motor neuron damage)
goals of bladder management = UTI prevention, continence, low residuals
SCI bladder management
type of bladder injury = type of management
catheters intermittent catheterization spontaneous voiding - external collecting device simulated voiding (anal tap/ stretch) surgery
