Spinal Cord Injury Terminology

Description

NBCOT Occupational Therapy Assistant Flashcards on Spinal Cord Injury Terminology, created by Jordan Jones on 14/06/2018.
Jordan Jones
Flashcards by Jordan Jones, updated more than 1 year ago
Jordan Jones
Created by Jordan Jones over 6 years ago
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Resource summary

Question Answer
Tetraplegia (quadriplegia) Partial of full Paralysis of the four limbs and trunk musculature
Paraplegia Paralysis of the LEs with some involvement of the trunk and hips
Complete lesions Absence of motor or sensory function of the spinal cord below the level of the injury
Incomplete lesions May involve several neurological segments, and some spinal cord function may be in partially or completely intact
Central Cord Syndrome Cellular destruction occurring in the center of the spinal cord
Affects of Central Cord Syndrome Paralysis and sensory loss in the UEs d/t damage to centrally located nerve tracks
Brown-Sequard Syndrome (Lateral Damage) One side of the spinal cord is damaged, as in a stabbing or gunshot injury
Ipsilateral side of Brown-Sequard Syndrome Motor paralysis and loss of proprioception below the level of injury
Contralateral side of Brown-Sequard Syndrome Loss of pain, temperature, and touch sensation
Cauda Equina (Peripheral) Involves peripheral nerves, usually occurs with fractures below L2 level, flaccid-type paralysis typical
Deficits of Cauda Equina injuries Highly variable and asymmetrical sensory and motor deficits
Anterior Spinal Cord Syndrome Injury that damages the spinal artery or anterior aspect of the spinal cord
Deficits of Anterior Spinal Cord Syndrome Paralysis and loss of pain, temperature, and touch sensation. Proprioception is preserved.
Conus Medullaris Syndrome Injury of the sacral cord (conus) and lumbar nerve roots within the neural canal.
Deficits of Conus Medullaris Syndrome Areflexic bladder, bowel, and lower extremities.
Prognosis for complete lesions Motor function less likely to return if no sensation or return of motor function below level of lesion 24-48hrs after injury
Prognosis for incomplete lesions Progressive return of motor function possible; dependent on when recovery process begins
Goals of early medical treatment of SCI Restore normal alignment of the spine, maintain stabilization of the injured area, decompress neurological structures that are under pressure
Goals of SCI surgery Decompress the spinal cord, achieve spinal spinal stability and normal bony alignment
Complications of Spinal Cord Injury 1. Skin breakdown, pressure sores, or decubitus ulcers; 2. Decreased vital capacity; 3. Osteoporosis; 4. Orthostatic Hypotension; 5. Autonomic Dysreflexia; 6. Spasticity; 7. Heterotopic Ossification
Areas to most likely develop skin breakdown Bony prominences: sacrum, ishium, trochanters, elbows, heels, iliac crest, scapula, knees, toes, rib cage
Signs of developing skins problems 1. Skin reddens yet blanches when pressed 2. Reddened area does not blanch (death of tissue -necrosis) 3. Blister or ulceration appears in area
Methods to prevent pressure sores 1. Routinely turning in bed; 2. Use specialized mattresses & pressure relief w/c cushions; 3. Use padding to protect bony prominences; 4. weight shifts
Decreased Vital Capacity Limited chest expansion and decreased ability to cough d/t weakness/paralysis of diaphragm, intercostal, and latissimus dorsi muscles
Common areas of pathological fractures d/t Osteoporosis LEs: supracondylar area of the femur, proxmial tibia, distal tibia, intertrochanteric area of femur, neck of femur
Causes of Orthostatic Hypotension Lack of abdominal and LE muscle leads to blood pooling; rapid change in body position (supine to upright)
Symptoms of Orthostatic Hypotension Dizziness, nausea, loss of consciousness
How to reduce Orthostatic Hypotension symptoms 1. Recline Pt quickly; if in w/c, tipped back with legs elevated until symptoms subside 2. Dress with abdominal binders, compression garments, antiembolism stockings, meds
Autonomic Dysreflexia Typical in injuries above T6; reflex action of the autonomic nervous system in response to some internal stimulus
Symptoms of Autonomic Dysreflexia immediate pounding headache, anxiety, perspiration, flushing chills, nasal congestion, sudden onset of hypertension, bradycardia
Treatment of Autonomic Dysreflexia 1. Place Pt in upright position 2. Remove restrictions (abdominal binders, elastic stockings) 3. Drain bladder 4. Check leg bag tubing for obstruction
Persons with injuries above T6 typically have this condition Autonomic Dysreflexia
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