Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

Question 1

Adhesion

Answer 1

The abnormal union of surfaces, which would be normally separated by the formation of new fibrous tissue resulting from an inflammatory process

Question 2

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM)

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Atelectasis

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Autonomic dysreflexia

Answer 4

An over-activity of the autonomic nervous system causing a sudden onset of excessively high blood pressure

Question 5

Babinski’s Sign

Answer 5

Dorsiflexion of the big toe in response to scraping the sole of the foot

Question 6

Clonus

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Contracture

Answer 7

Shortening of the soft tissues in the body such as tendon, muscle and scar tissue which can lead to deformity and distortion

Question 8

Decubitus ulcers

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Diaphoresis

Answer 9

Diaphoresis is another word for perspiration. Especially, profuse perspiration that is artificially induced

Question 10

Ectopic bone formation

Answer 10

The formation of bone in uncommon or abnormal locations in the body

Question 11

Epicritic sensations

Answer 11

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

Question 12

Epigastric (epigastrium)

Answer 12

Epigastric has to do with the upper middle area of the abdomen, it lies just below the sternum and above the umbilicus

Question 13

Erythema

Answer 13

Abnormal reddening of the skin when the capillaries are congested with blood. This can be found in instances of inflammation

Question 14

Graphesthesia

Answer 14

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

Question 15

Hypercalciuria

Answer 15

Unusually high amounts of calcium found in the urine of a patient

Question 16

Hysterical paralysis

Answer 16

A condition in which paralysis of certain body regions is caused by psychological events, mental or emotional

Question 17

Kinaesthesia

Answer 17

A sense mediated by receptors located in muscles, tendons and joints and stimulated by bodily movements and tensions

Question 18

Narcotic analgesics

Answer 18

A drug given to reduce pain without resulting in unconsciousness. Examples include morphine and oxycodone

Question 19

Neoplasms

Answer 19

Used interchangeably with tumors. It is tissue composed of cells that grow in an abnormal matter

Question 20

Nocturia

Answer 20

Excessive urination at night

Question 21

Periradicular scar tissue

Answer 21

Scar tissue located in the area around the tooth root

Question 22

Skin maceration

Answer 22

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

Question 23

Stereognosis

Answer 23

The ability to perceive the material qualities of an object by handling or lifting: tactile recognition

Question 24

Syringomyelia

Answer 24

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

Question 25

Tabes dorsalis

Answer 25

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.

Question 26

Teardrop fracture

Answer 26

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

Question 27

Thrombophlebitis

Answer 27

Inflammation of a vein due to the formation of a clot within the blood vessel

Question 28

Transverse myelitis

Answer 28

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

Question 29

Valsalva maneuver

Answer 29

A forceful attempt at expiration when the airway is closed at the glottis

Question 30

Myotomes

Answer 30

Muscle or set of muscles innervated by a specific single spinal nerve

Question 31

C5 myotome motor function

Answer 31

Shoulder abduction

Question 32

C6 myotome motor function

Answer 32

Elbow flexion and wrist extension

Question 33

C7 myotome motor function

Answer 33

Elbow extension and wrist flexion

Question 34

C8/T1 myotome motor function

Answer 34

Finger abduction

Question 35

L1/L2 myotome motor function

Answer 35

Hip flexion

Question 36

L3/L4 myotome motor function

Answer 36

Knee extension

Question 37

L4 myotome motor function

Answer 37

Ankle dorsiflexion

Question 38

L5 myotome motor function

Answer 38

Great toe extension

Question 39

L5 - S2 myotome motor function

Answer 39

Knee flexion

Question 40

S1/S2 myotome motor function

Answer 40

Plantar flexion

Question 41

S2/S3 myotome motor function

Answer 41

Adduction of toes