Spinal cord injuries

what are 4 causes of spinal cord injuries

1. falls

2. MVS’s

3. sports injuries

4. violence

how does spinal cord injuries affect the bodys?

1. movement

2. sensation

3. autonomic function

what is a primary injury?

the initial injury

what are some examples of a primary injury

torn cord

compressed cord

damaged/trauma to the cord

loss of blood supply

what is a second injury?

damage that happens after the injury

what are some example of a second injury

bleeding

swelling

decreased O2 to the cord

more damage to the nerve

spinal cord manifestations

SCI above T6:

loss of sympathetic control

a loss above T6 leads to:

• bradycardia

• vasodilation

• hypotension

• decreased cardiac output

respiratory risk for C3-C5 injury

this is damage to the phrenic nerve → diaphragm is paralyzed

what can a C3-C5 injury lead to:

• immediate intubation

• respiratory arrest risk

how can the GI system be affected by a SCI above T6:

• paralytic ileus

• bloating/distention

• increases stomach acid (stress ulcers)

how can an SCI above T6 affect metabolism?

• increase metabolism

• increase protein breakdown

• weight loss risk

C1-C3 SCI:

• most severe

• tetraparalegic (all 4 limbs paralyzed)

• cannot breathe independently

• fatal

T1-T6 SCI (upper thoracic injury):

• paraplegia (legs paralyzed)

• decreased abdominal and trunk control

• decreased respiratory reserve

T6-T12 SCI (lower thoracic injury):

• full upper body strength

• better trunk control

• can stand with assistive devices

• better breathing than higher injuries

L1-L4 SCI (lumbar injury):

• partial leg and pelvic control

• good sitting balance

• walk possible with assistive devices