OT Exam Prep: Spinal Cord Injury Flashcards

Spinal Cord Injury Levels and Functions

• C1-C7:

  • Ability to breathe and participate in basketball.

• T1-T6:

  • Arms functionality and risk for autonomic dysreflexia.

• T7-T12:

  • Core control (crunch) with potential for standing with assistance.

• L1-L5:

  • Leg movements including hip flexion, knee extension, dorsiflexion, and forward motion.

• S1-S5:

  • Functions involving backward and downward leg motion, plantar flexion, knee flexion, and hip extension.

Critical Diaphragm Control

• C3-C4:
  • Diaphragm control; individuals at C1 or C2 require a respirator, while C3 or C4 may also need assistance.

Functional Independence by Level

• C5:

  • Elbow flexion capabilities; lack of wrist or hand movements, often using adaptive devices like universal cuffs or mobile arm supports.

• C6:

  • Wrist extension and tenodesis grasp (fingers curl when wrist is extended); can manage with a standard bed at home.

• C7:

  • Elbow extension and triceps function, promoting independence with assistive devices for daily activities.

• C8:

  • Achieves higher independence in ADLs and improved hand function; can transfer with standby assistance.

Autonomic Dysreflexia Awareness

• Characteristics:

  • A potentially life-threatening condition present in individuals with spinal injuries T6 and above.
  • Symptoms include severe headache, nausea, sweating, flushed face, bradycardia, and high blood pressure.

• Management:

  • Elevate head of bed 90 degrees, loosen restrictive clothing, check for bladder or bowel impaction, and consider antihypertensives cautiously to prevent stroke or seizures.

Orthostatic Hypotension

• Symptoms:

  • Characterized by a drop in blood pressure causing lightheadedness or dizziness.

• Management:

  • Recline the patient and elevate their legs for stabilization.

Functional Outcomes and Support Needs

• C1-C3:

  • Requires 24/7 care for activities of daily living (ADLs) and consistent pressure relief every 30 minutes.

• C6-C8 Levels:

  • Gradual transition towards greater independence with a focus on personal care and mobility.

Key Medical Emergency Protocols

• Recognize symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia and orthostatic hypotension for timely interventions.
• Always observe pressure relief and functional adaptations based on injury levels for effective care management.

Prepare for your occupational therapy exam with these flashcards focused on spinal cord injury terminology. Each card highlights key movements and functionalities associated with different vertebrae levels. Test your knowledge and readiness for this critical subject area.