NR 283 W6- Spinal cord disorders Questions with 100% correct answers -Chamberlain

What information does the spinal cord relay to the brain?

Sensory

Temperature

Position

Pain

What illnesses most significantly impact individuals with a spinal cord injury?

Pneumonia

Septicemia

What is the most common cause of spinal cord injuries?

Physical traumas (car accidents being leading factor)

What are other disorders of spinal cord functionality?

Bacterial infections

Viral infections

Fungal infections

Abscesses

What are the most common conditions that affect the spinal cord?

Syphilis

Lyme disease

Bacterial meningitis

Herpes zoster (shingles)

West Nile Virus

Varicella zoster (chicken pox)

What autoimmune conditions cause the most significant impact to the spinal cord?

Guillain-Barre

Multiple sclerosis

Risk factors associated with spinal cord disorders

- Increased age

- Medical conditions (balance problems, bone density problems)

- Avoidance of safety devices

- Poor body mechanics

- Lack of immunizations (shingles, varicella, etc.)

- Undertreatment/ no treatment of infection (syphilis, lyme disease)

Signs/symptoms of spinal cord disorders?

Depends on location and nerves affected

- Sensory- **parasthesias** numbness, tingling, pain

- Motor- paralysis, clonus, tremors

- Autonomic NS changes- Tachy/brady HR, BP issues, temp regulation issues

What is a dermatome map?

Allows healthcare professionals to pinpoint where in the spinal column there might be pressure or injury.

Diagnostic testing associated with spinal cord disorders?

Labs- Viral illnesses/antibodies/antigens

MRI

CT

Lumbar puncture

Myelogram

Electromyogram

Complications of spinal cord disorders?

- Immobility

- Urinary problems

- Bowel problems

- Musculoskeletal problems

- Pain

Immobility complications of spinal cord disorders?

Ulcers

Blood clots

Pneumonia

Depression

What is dysreflexia?

This condition mostly occurs in injuries of the cervical spine in which the sympathetic nervous system is overstimulated. Normally caused by pain or a distended bladder

What are common symptoms of dsreflexia?

Extreme hypertension

Bradycardia

Headache

Visual problems

Urinary complications of spinal cord disorders?

Urinary retention- leads to renal insufficiency or failure

Incontinence

Bowel complications of spinal cord disorders?

Inability to move or control flow of stool

Constipation, or incontinence

Musculoskeletal complications of spinal cord disorders?

Paralysis leads to atrophy

Causes contractures

Complications of spinal cord disorders and pain?

Because the spinal cord relays pain information to the brain, injury or spine disorders can include a significant amount of pain related to excess or abnormal stimulation of the nerve fibers that return sensory information to the brain. Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) can cause unnatural skin color, temperature changes, and severe pain.

Treatments for spinal cord disorders?

Spinal immobilization

Steroids/ NSAIDS to reduce inflammation

Rehabilitation

What are additional steps to preventing complications associated with spinal cord disorders?

Range of motion exercises

Turning/repositioning

Urinary catheterization

Bowel care

Pain management

Anti-embolic/ compression stockings

Deep breathing exercises