Spinal Cord Injury Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Spinal Cord Injury Deck (27)
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1
Q

What are the common causes of SCI?

A
Falls
Sport
RTAs
Occupational accidents
Assault
Penetrating injuries
Suicide
2
Q

What is quadriplegia?

A

An injury in the cervical region of the spinal cord which affects all four extremities

3
Q

What is paraplegia?

A

An injury in the thoracic, lumbar or sacral region of the spinal cord which affects two extremities

4
Q

What is meant by a ‘complete’ SCI?

A

No information can pass beyond the level of the injury

5
Q

What is meant by an ‘incomplete’ SCI?

A

Some information can pass beyond the level of the injury

6
Q

What group of patient does central cord syndrome typically affect?

A

Older patients

7
Q

Central cord syndrome is the result of a hyper extension injury. What structures compress the cord anteriorly and posterior lay in this condition?

A

Anterior - osteophytes

Posterior - ligament in flavum

8
Q

What syndrome which affects a hemisection if the spinal cord can result from a penetrating injury such as stabbing?

A

Brown sequard syndrome

9
Q

What symptoms result from brown sequard syndrome?

A

Paralysis on affected side
Loss of propeioception and fine discrimination on affected side
Pain and temperature loss on contralateral side

10
Q

What causes cause equine syndrome?

A

Bony compression of the spinal cord or disc protrusions in the lumbar or sacral regions

11
Q

What are the symptoms of cud’s equine syndrome?

A

Back pain
Bowel and bladder dysfunction
Leg numbness and weakness
Saddle paraesthesia

12
Q

Acute spinal surgery to stabilise or decompress the spine improves neurological outcomes. T/F?

A

False but it does allow earlier rehabilitation

13
Q

What is the name of the charts which are used to assess motor and sensory function?

A

Asia charts

14
Q

What is spinal shock?

A

Suppression of all reflex,sensory and motor activity below the level of injury

15
Q

The babibski reflex is one f the first to reappear following spinal shock. T/F?

A

True

16
Q

What is neurogenic shock?

A

The body’s response to sudden loss of sympathetic control

17
Q

Neurogenic shock occurs in people with an SCI at or above what level?

A

T6

18
Q

What are the symptoms of neurogenic shock?

A

Hypotension
Bradycardia
Hypothermia

19
Q

What are the symptoms of an UMN lesion?

A

Muscle weakness
Increased tone
Increased reflexes

20
Q

What are the symptoms of a LMN lesion?

A

Muscle weakness and wasting
Reduced tone
Reduced reflexes
Fasiculations

21
Q

UMn signs will be present in the lower limbs but the upper limbs will be normal if there is a lesion between what levels?

A

T3-12

22
Q

LMN signs are present in the lower limbs and the upper limbs are normal if there is a lesion between what levels?

A

T12-S2

23
Q

How can pressure sores in a patient with SCI cause death?

A

These provide a route for infection, infection may not be detected due to lack of sensation in patient this can lead to sepsis and death

24
Q

Male reproductive ability is compromised by SCI. How is this treated?

A

Erection dysfunction treated with viagra or cialis

Lack of ejaculation treated with electroejqculation

25
Q

Female reproductive function is compromised by SCI. T/F?

A

False but lack of sensation can lead to inability to enjoy intercourse

26
Q

Why are suprapubic catheters used to treat bladder dysfunction in SCI patients?

A

To prevent infection

27
Q

How can bowel dysfunction as a result of SCI be treated?

A

Diet management
Bowel regime
Manual evacuation