Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury Flashcards
Adhesion
The abnormal union of surfaces, which would be normally separated by the formation of new fibrous tissue resulting from an inflammatory process
Arteriovenous malformation (AVM)
AVMs are defects of the circulatory system that are generally believed to arise during fetal development or soon after birth. If they are located in the brain or spinal cord, they can have widespread effects on the body. Seizures, headaches, and other neurological symptoms occur depending on the location of the AVM
Atelectasis
The collapse of part or all of a lung. It is caused by a blockage of the air passages or by outside pressure on the lung
Autonomic dysreflexia
An over-activity of the autonomic nervous system causing a sudden onset of excessively high blood pressure
Babinski’s Sign
Dorsiflexion of the big toe in response to scraping the sole of the foot
Clonus
Repetitive, rhythmic contractions of a muscle when attempting to hold it in a stretched state. It is a strong, deep tendon reflex that occurs when the central nervous system fails to inhibit it
Contracture
Shortening of the soft tissues in the body such as tendon, muscle and scar tissue which can lead to deformity and distortion
Decubitus ulcers
Decubitus ulcers and pressure sores are often used interchangeably. Pressure is exerted on the skin, soft tissue, muscle and bone by the weight of an individual against a surface beneath. Individuals unable to avoid long periods of uninterrupted pressure over bony prominences are at increased risk for the development of necrosis and ulceration
Diaphoresis
Diaphoresis is another word for perspiration. Especially, profuse perspiration that is artificially induced
Ectopic bone formation
The formation of bone in uncommon or abnormal locations in the body
Epicritic sensations
The somatic sensory modality by which one can distinguish between the finer sensations of temperature and touch stimuli and can localize them on the body
Epigastric (epigastrium)
Epigastric has to do with the upper middle area of the abdomen, it lies just below the sternum and above the umbilicus
Erythema
Abnormal reddening of the skin when the capillaries are congested with blood. This can be found in instances of inflammation
Graphesthesia
The ability of an individual to recognize (writing) on the skin (such as on the palm of the hand) purely by touch. An examiner writes a single number or letter on the hand of a patient to test for a neurological condition
Hypercalciuria
Unusually high amounts of calcium found in the urine of a patient
Hysterical paralysis
A condition in which paralysis of certain body regions is caused by psychological events, mental or emotional
Kinaesthesia
A sense mediated by receptors located in muscles, tendons and joints and stimulated by bodily movements and tensions
Narcotic analgesics
A drug given to reduce pain without resulting in unconsciousness. Examples include morphine and oxycodone
Neoplasms
Used interchangeably with tumors. It is tissue composed of cells that grow in an abnormal matter
Nocturia
Excessive urination at night
Periradicular scar tissue
Scar tissue located in the area around the tooth root
Skin maceration
Changes in skin colour and texture after moisture has been trapped against the skin for a long period of time. This change in skin structure leaves macerated skin more permeable and prone to damage and gives it a white/grey and wrinkly appearance
Stereognosis
The ability to perceive the material qualities of an object by handling or lifting: tactile recognition
Syringomyelia
A disorder in which a cyst forms within the spinal cord. This cyst, called a syrinx, expands and elongates over time, destroying the center of the spinal cord. This damage results in pain and weakness in the back, shoulders and legs. If not surgically treated, it often leads to progressive weakness in the arms and legs, loss of hand sensation, and chronic and severe pain
Tabes dorsalis
A slow degeneration of the nerve cells and fibers that carry sensory information to the brain. The degenerating nerves are in the dorsal columns of the spinal cord and carry information that helps maintain a person’s sense of position. Symptoms may include weakness, loss of coordination, dementia, etc.
Teardrop fracture
The most severe type of fracture of the cervical spine resulting from a severe flexion force in which the posterior vertebral body is posteriorly distracted
Thrombophlebitis
Inflammation of a vein due to the formation of a clot within the blood vessel
Transverse myelitis
A neurological disorder caused by inflammation across both sides of one level, or segment, of the spinal cord. The inflammation can damage or destroy myelin. This damage causes nervous system scars that interrupt communications between the nerves in the spinal cord and the rest of the body
Valsalva maneuver
A forceful attempt at expiration when the airway is closed at the glottis
Myotomes
Muscle or set of muscles innervated by a specific single spinal nerve
C5 myotome motor function
Shoulder abduction
C6 myotome motor function
Elbow flexion and wrist extension
C7 myotome motor function
Elbow extension and wrist flexion
C8/T1 myotome motor function
Finger abduction
L1/L2 myotome motor function
Hip flexion
L3/L4 myotome motor function
Knee extension
L4 myotome motor function
Ankle dorsiflexion
L5 myotome motor function
Great toe extension
L5 - S2 myotome motor function
Knee flexion
S1/S2 myotome motor function
Plantar flexion
S2/S3 myotome motor function
Adduction of toes
