Anatomy
The CNS is composed of...
The brain and spinal cord
Quadraplegia is complete paralysis below the neck whereas paraplegia is partial paralysis
Spinal shock results in...
Temporary loss of motor and sensory function under the site of injury
What are a few things that rule out immobilization?
normal level of alertness
no evidence of intoxication
absence of painful distracting injury
absence of midline cervical tenderness
absence of focal neurologic deficit
Define the following; scoliosis, kyphosis and lordosis
Scoliosis: abnormal lateral curvature of the spine
Kyphosis: abnormal cervical curvature (hunchback)
Lordosis: abnormal lumbar curvature (swayback)
How many vertebrae to have have in each category (name and number)
Cervical 7, thoracic 12, lumbar 5, sacral 5, coccyx 4
Falls
What are some signs and symptoms of spinal shock?
Pounding headache, hypotension, bradycardia, profuse sweating, piloerection, flushing, blurred vision, nasal congestion and apprehension or anxiety
Would we immobilize someone with Cauda Equina syndrome? Why?
Yes, it is a spinal injury
A patient has a potential spinal injury, but his head is flopped to the side. What do you do?
Gently return it to its neutral position
C _. C_, C_ keep the diaphragm alive. Why?
C3, C4, C5 because the phrenic nerve is the sole nerve that innovates the diaphragm
What is cauda equina syndrome?
Compression of the cauda equina that leads to pain, paralysis and incontinence.
What does "loss of sympathetic tone" mean, and what does it result in?
Vasculature relaxes, leading to profound hypotension
If a patient is exhibiting large amounts of neck pain, is it a good idea to attempt to immobilize them?
ABSOLUTELY
If the patient presents with vomitus/blood in their airway, what should you do prior to suctioning?
Roll them to the side
What are dermatomes?
Regions of the body that are associated with specific spinal nerves. Can be used to predict the level of spinal injury.
A Hangman's fracture is the result of what sort of movement?
HINT: flexion, extension, abduction etc.
Extension injury
No, since it does not impact the brain, only the spinal cord
Prior to full body-immobilization, what manual technique should be utilized?
Manual stabilization of the cervical spine
Hyperextension accrues damage at the ____ aspect ot the neck, hyperflexion accrues damage at the _____ aspect of the neck.
Anterior, posterior
_____% of the brain is made of _____ matter, _____% of the brain is made of _____ matter.
40% grey and 60% white
What are the 6 P's of spinal injury?
Pain, parasthesia, paralysis, position, point tenderness and priapism
What is the alternative term for spinal shock?
Areflexia
What stabilizer is used to stabilize the C-spine?
Cervical collar/c-collar
What is a 'distraction injury' and how might it arise?
It is where the spinal cord is pulled apart, could arise from a hanging