W8 SCI Flashcards
What is the leading cause of SCI in the UK?
Falls (40%) followed by road traffic accidents (RTA) at 37%.
Define complete spinal cord injury (SCI).
Complete loss of function below the injury, including motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction.
What are the four main types of incomplete spinal cord injury?
- Central cord syndrome
- Anterior cord syndrome
- Brown-Sequard syndrome
- Posterior cord syndrome
What is central cord syndrome characterized by?
Motor dysfunction in upper limbs and bladder dysfunction.
What is Brown-Sequard syndrome?
Motor deficit and numbness to touch and vibration on the same side of the lesion; loss of pain and temperature sensation on the opposite side.
What type of injuries typically cause posterior cord syndrome?
Compression to the posterior/sensory section of the spinal cord, often from posterior impact or hyper-extension trauma.
What is cauda equina syndrome?
A lower motor neurone lesion causing motor and sensory loss in lower limbs and saddle anaesthesia.
What is the primary focus of immediate medical management after an SCI?
Stabilization, normal oxygenation, perfusion, and acid/base balance.
What are some complications that require post-acute management after SCI?
- Urinary and bowel management
- Skin integrity (pressure sores)
- DVT
- Autonomic dysreflexia (at or above T6)
- Orthostatic hypotension
What does the ASIA scale classify?
Myotomes and dermatomes related to spinal cord injuries.
What is the significance of the corticospinal tract?
It is responsible for voluntary conscious movement.
Fill in the blank: The _______ tract is responsible for pain and temperature sensation.
Spinothalamic tract
True or False: Incomplete spinal cord injuries show complete loss of function below the injury.
False
What are the vulnerable areas of the vertebral column for spinal cord injury?
- Cervical spine, typically C5-7
- Thoracolumbar, typically T12
What is the role of the vestibulospinal tract?
Controls extensor activity, balance, and posture.
What is a differential diagnosis in the context of SCI?
Considering other pathologies that may lead to sensorimotor loss or weakness.
List some central nervous system pathologies that can mimic SCI.
- Stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
Name a neuromuscular junction pathology that can lead to sensorimotor weakness.
Myasthenia gravis
