Anatomy
cervical vertebrae
7
a patient with no demonstrable sensory or motor function below a certain level
complete SCI
This can occur in injuries to T6 and above
Neurogenic shock
signs and symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia
severe headache, bradycardia, facial flushing, pallor and cold skin, diaphoresis of the lower part of the body
This affects approximately 90% of patients with spinal cord injuries
Neurogenic bladder
thoracic vertebrae
12
incomplete SCI
some degree of motor or sensory function remains
loss of vasomotor tone and sympathetic innervation to the heart
autonomic dysreflexia causes
stimulus originating below the level of injury
patients with c spine or upper t spinal cord injures are at a high risk of this
potential respiratory failure (diaphragm vs intercostal muscle paralysis)
lumbar vertebrae
5
complete motor loss of function below the level of injury; loss of pain and temperature sensation below the level of injury
anterior cord syndrome
your patient is unable to move any extremities, however you note spasticity occurring. what is this patient experiencing
spinal shock
inflammation of tissues which can lead to permanent loss of function without proper intervention
secondary SCI
decreased GI motility can lead to these
SBO, ileus
2 most vulnerable regions of the spine
cervical spine , thoracolumbar junction
central cord syndrome
loss of motor and sensory function in the upper extremities that is greater than that of the lower extremities
what type of shock is neurogenic shock
distributive
vasogenic edema
fluid buildup
this assessment can assist in rapidly identifying an expanding hematoma/increased swelling
neuromuscular assessment
area of skin innervated by the sensory axons within a particular segmental nerve root
dermatome
partial transection of the spinal cord causes this syndrome
brown-sequard syndrome
how do we manage neurogenic shock?
pharmacological interventions (pressors, midodrine, maintenance of normovolemia
cellular metabolism disruption resulting in swelling
cytotoxic edema
decreased sensation, inability to change position can lead to this
pressure injury development