Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) by Dr. Sanobar Khan

Study Notes

Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)

A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord, a bundle of nerves that runs down the back, resulting in loss of sensation, movement, or function below the level of the injury.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Complete spinal cord injury: Results in complete loss of sensation and movement below the level of the injury.
- Tetraplegia: Affects arms, hands, trunk, legs, and pelvic organs.
- Paraplegia: Affects legs, trunk, and pelvic organs.
Incomplete spinal cord injury: Results in partial loss of sensation and movement below the level of the injury.
- Central cord syndrome: Affects the central part of the spinal cord, causing loss of sensation and movement in the arms.
- Anterior cord syndrome: Affects the front of the spinal cord, causing loss of pain and temperature sensation.
- Posterior cord syndrome: Affects the back of the spinal cord, causing loss of proprioception (position and movement).
- Brown-Sequard syndrome: Affects one side of the spinal cord, causing loss of sensation and movement on the opposite side.
- Conus medullaris syndrome: Affects the lower part of the spinal cord, causing loss of sensation and movement in the legs and pelvic organs.
- Cauda equina syndrome: Affects the nerve roots at the base of the spine, causing loss of sensation and movement in the legs.

Clinical Evaluation

Assessment:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- X-ray
- CT scan
- MRI
- Myelography
- Physical Examination

Treatment

Surgical treatment:
- Compressed spinal cord decompression
- Surgical stabilization of the spine
- Fixation of spine
- Artificial disc implantation
Non-surgical treatment:
- Epidural steroid injection
- Intradiscal thermoplasty
- Nucleoplasty
- Facet injection
- Radio frequency rhizotomy

Physiotherapy

Management of muscle spasticity:
- Range of motion exercises
- Positioning techniques
- Weight bearing exercises
- Electrical stimulation

Rehabilitation Therapies

Cognitive rehabilitation therapy
Speech therapy
Occupational therapy

Description

This quiz covers the definition and types of spinal cord injuries (SCI), including complete and incomplete injuries, and their effects on the body. Learn about tetraplegia, paraplegia, and other syndromes related to SCI. Test your knowledge and understanding of this important medical topic.