Clinical Syndromes
In this SCI syndrome only 1 side of the cord is damaged. It can occur with a stabbing or GSW. Below the level of injury there are sensory and motor differences on the ipsilateral and contralateral sides.
What is Brown-Sequard Syndrome?
This is the most important indicator of long term prognosis for a person who has sustained a SCI.
What is whether the injury is complete or incomplete?
This sudden increase in blood pressure can be a life threatening complication. It is seen in persons with lesions at the T6 level or above.
What is Autonomic Dysreflexia?
The OT evaluation phase is important for establishing these 2 factors which will promote participation and progress during later and more difficult phases of rehab.
What is establishing rapport and mutual trust?
For a SCI patient at the C6 level, the presence of wrist extension allows this functional movement.
What is tenodesis?
The most common incomplete SCI injury. Occurs where there is more damage in the center of the cord than in the periphery.
What is Central cord syndrome? (CCS)
This type of incomplete SCI has be the best prognosis.
What is Brown Sequard?
Immediately after the injury this period occurs and can last hours, days or weeks. There is areflexia at and below the level of the injury.
What is Spinal Shock?
During this acute phase of rehabilitation, it is vital for the OT to provide this training to both the SCI patient and the family/caregivers to prevent a life threatening condition.
What is skin inspection?
Key adaptive equipment introduced to this level of SCI patient include a universal cuff, scoop dish, long handled comb, wrist supports and mobile arm support. This adaptive equipment allows independence with self care tasks such as feeding and grooming.
What is C 5?
This SCI clinial syndrome involves peripheral nerves rather than directly involving the spinal cord. This type of injury occurs with fractures below the L2 level and results in flaccid paralysis.
What is Cauda Equina Syndrome?
What is 3 months?
The areas at most risk for this life threatening complication after an SCI are the sacrum, ischium, trochanters, elbows, and heels.
What are pressure ulcers or pressure injuries?
In the acute phase of SCI, the OT will give intervention priority to preservation of the integrity of these areas of the body for the patient.
What are joints? What is joint mobility?
Throughout all rehabilitation phases the OT may expect the SCI client to experience these 6 psychosocial reactions.
What are shock, anxiety, denial, depression, anger, adjustment and acknowledgment?
This SCI syndrome occurs when there is damage to the anterior spinal artery or the anterior aspect of the cord. There is paralysis. Pain, temp and touch sensations are absent. Proprioception is preserved.
What is Anterior Spinal Cord Syndrome?
This secondary condition is the most common cause of death within the first year of sustaining an SCI.
What is pneumonia?
This serious symptom occurs due to impaired autonomic regulation and is aggravated by prolonged bed rest. The patient experiences light headedness, dizziness and may faint when certain movements are initiated. It also occurs in patients with lesions at the T6 level or above.
What is Orthostatic Hypotension?
This dual diagnosis is common in the SCI patient. It common injury is not always physically visible and can easily be overlooked.
What is Concomitant Brain Injury?
What is ALL phases of recovery and rehabilitation?
This clinical SCI syndrome results in an areflexic bladder, bowel and lower extremities. It is involves the sacral cord and lumbar nerve roots.
What is Conus Medullaris Syndrome?
Abuse is one of the most common etiologies for SCI in this age group/population.
What are children?
This is a serious problem for many SCI patients and can impact engagement in meaningful occupations. This problem can occur in an acute or chronic manner after SCI. It is more commonly reported in patients with tetraplegia than those with paraplegia.
What is pain?
OT's working with SCI clients in the outpatient setting should begin or continue working on goals that move the client toward this.
What is greater community integration?
Life satisfaction for SCI survivors was found to be related to these 2 factors rather than their level of injury.
What are levels of social integration and access to the environment?