Week 2: Spinal Cord injuries

Question 1

what do SCIs result from

Answer 1

fracture
dislocation of vertebrae

Question 2

cervical spine injuries

Answer 2

can result from hypertension or hyperflexion of neck with possible fracture

Question 3

hyperflexion

Answer 3

chin to chest

Question 4

hyperextension

Answer 4

neck bend back

Question 5

dislocation of vertebra

Answer 5

may crush or compress spinal cord

Question 6

compression

Answer 6

causes injury to spinal cord when force applied to top of skull or feet

Question 7

simple fracture

Answer 7

single line break

Question 8

compression fracture

Answer 8

crushed or shattered bone in multiple fragments

Question 9

wedge fractures

Answer 9

displaces angular section of bone

Question 10

dislocation

Answer 10

vertebra forced out of its normal position

Question 11

laceration of nerve tissue by bone fragements

Answer 11

permanent loss of conduction in affected tracts

Question 12

complete transection or crushing of cord

Answer 12

irreversible loss of all sensory and motor function at and below level of injury

Question 13

partial transection or crushing

Answer 13

may allow recovery of some function

Question 14

brusing

Answer 14

reversible damange
mild edema and minor bleeding

Question 15

prolonged ischemia and necrosis

Answer 15

leads to perm. damage

Question 16

NE
serotonin
histamine are released by

Answer 16

damaged tissue (vasoconstriction)

Question 17

assessment using dermatome map

Answer 17

• assessment of movement and sensory responses
• can determine the degree of damage or recovery

Question 18

what are 2 stages of the posttraumatic period

Answer 18

spinal shock, recovery and recognition of extent of functional loss

Question 19

spinal shock

Answer 19

• initially, all neurologic activity ceases below and slightly above the level of injury
• absence of all reflexes; flaccid paralysis
• loss of central control of autonomic function (bladder and bowel function)
• as long as inflammation is present it occurs (days or weeks)

Question 20

recovery

Answer 20

• gradual return of reflex activity below level of injury
• voluntary motor activity and sensory impulses blocked at and below level of damage
• may develop hyperreflexia

Question 21

what are permanent effects post spinal shock at the cervical level

Answer 21

no sensation
sensory movement
central control of SNS
below injury
bladder and bowel incontinence

normal above

Question 22

what are perm effects post spinal shock at the lumbar level

Answer 22

no function at level of injury
no sensation or voluntary movement below
bowel and bladder incontinence
spastic paralysis of legs

normal upper body function

Question 23

whats a paralysis of all 4 extremeties called

Answer 23

tertaplegia (quadriplegia)

Question 24

what is a paraplegia

Answer 24

paralysis of the lower part of the trunk and legs

Question 25

ipsilateral paralysis and contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensation

Answer 25

• result of partial cord injury
• depends on point of decussation and location

Question 26

what do cervical injuries affect

Answer 26

respiratory function
tetraplegia
all functions controlled by thoracic, lumbar and sacral

Question 27

what do thoracic injuries affect

Answer 27

blocks sympathetic nervous system
bradycardia, hypotension, loss of perspiration
lumbar and sacral

Question 28

what do lumbar injuries affect

Answer 28

paraplegia
sacral function

Question 29

what do sacral injuries affect

Answer 29

parasymp nerves
loss bladder and bowel control

Question 30

whats autonomic dysreflexia

Answer 30

massive sympathetic reflex response that cannot be controlled from the brain

Question 31

where does autonomic dysreflexia occur

Answer 31

injury of cervical spine
above level T6

Question 32

what causes autonomic dysreflexia

Answer 32

infection
genital inflammation
other stimuli

Question 33

what does autonomic dysreflexia lead to

Answer 33

increased bp
bradycardia
vasocons below injyry
vasodila above injury

Question 34

what are some complicaitons of spinal cord injuries

Answer 34

• UTI
• pneumonia
• skin breakdown
• spasm and pain
• depression
• sexual dysfunction and reproductive capacity

Question 35

when does treatment and rehab occur for SCI

Answer 35

at time of injury

Question 36

what are the main goals of treatment with SCI

Answer 36

immobilize spine
maintain breathing
prevent shock
relieve pressure
repair tissues
reduce enema
stabilize vascular system