Spinal Cord Injuries
This precaution is always taken if a spinal cord injury is suspected.
What is do not move the patient and a cervical collar?
This complication typically happens immediately after the injury and is usually reversible.
What is spinal shock?
What are infection and skin breakdown?
These are common symptoms of herniated discs.
What are pain and paresthesias?
These are the three possible causes of meningitis and encephalitis.
What are viruses, bacteria, and fungi?
Total loss of sensory and motor function below the level of injury is this degree of spinal cord injury.
What is complete?
This complication occurs when there is a sudden loss of sympathetic nervous system signals, so the parasympathetic nervous system takes control.
What is neurogenic shock?
These 2 specific medications are used to treat spasms and rigidity following spinal surgery.
What are Baclofen and diazepam?
This test is performed to assess for abnormalities in CSF.
What is lumbar puncture?
These symptoms are present in encephalitis but not meningitis.
What are LOC changes, seizures, and headaches?
An injury at this level or higher will always require the patient to be intubated/tracheostomy.
What is C4?
The most common cause of autonomic dysreflexia.
What is distended bladder?
This major complication can be prevented by increased fluids and fiber intake, stool softeners, and digital stimulation.
What is paralytic ileus?
This medication is used for herniated discs because it reduces the firing of irritated nerves which helps to alleviate pain.
What is Lyrica (pregabalin)?
This is how a CSF culture would appear when the patient has meningitis.
What is cloudy?
These organs are affected by lumbar injuries.
What are bladder and bowels (pelvic)?
Autonomic dysreflexia only occurs at or above this level of the spine. Injuries at or above this level of the spine are also more likely to develop neurogenic shock.
What is T6?
These 2 findings following spinal surgery would indicate a CSF leak.
What are halo on sheets and clear, odorless drainage?
This test may be done to look for a herniated disk. It differs from an x-ray because it uses contrast which allows for visualization of not only the vertebrae, but also the nerves, disks, and other soft tissue.
What is a myelogram?
Meningitis is an infection and inflammation of these four structures that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.
What are CSF and meninges (dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater)?
The absence of these symptoms is a major difference between spinal cord injuries and brain injuries.
What are LOC/mental status changes?
Autonomic dysreflexia occurs because of the lack of inhibition of sympathetic nervous system, because there is no communication with the parasympathetic nervous system. This causes these effects on blood vessels located in these areas.
What is vasodilation above and vasoconstriction below?
This needs to be available at all times when a patient has halo vest due to potential complications.
What is suction?
This class of drugs can be injected into the epidural space to help relieve pain caused by herniated disks.
What are corticosteroids?
This sign associated with meningitis is present when back pain occurs after flexing the hip and knee.
What is Kernig's sign?