Spinal Cord Injury: Critical Care Course Jan 2022

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the spinal cord?

Conducts sensory input from the brain to the body

Conducts motor impulses from the body to the brain

Transmits sensory input from the body to the brain (correct)

Transmits motor impulses from the brain to the muscles and organs

What is the neurological level of injury defined as?

The level at which shock to the spinal cord occurs

The level at which the spinal cord is fully severed

The lowest level at which sensory and motor functions are normal (correct)

The highest level at which involuntary reflexes are still intact

What is the sequence of spinal cord injury dependent on?

The location of the injury along the spinal cord

The type of injury and the neurological level of injury (correct)

The duration of ischemia and hypoxia

The level of vascular damage and the severity of hemorrhagic lesions

What is the primary cause of secondary injury in spinal cord injury?

Ischemia Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the cervical plexus?

Diaphragm movement Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of a T1 spinal injury?

Quadriplegia Signup and view all the answers

What is the main impact of an L4 spinal injury?

Paraplegia Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by a C5 spinal injury?

Partial diaphragmatic paralysis Signup and view all the answers

What should be suspected in case of a lumbar spinal injury?

Abdominal injury Signup and view all the answers

What does a complete transection above C3-5 result in?

Breathing difficulties necessitating ventilatory support Signup and view all the answers

Which structure serves as a shock absorber between vertebrae?

Intervertebral Discs Signup and view all the answers

What is the major weight-bearing component of the vertebrae?

Pedicles Signup and view all the answers

Which vertebral ligament provides major stability of the spinal column and resists hyperextension?

Anterior Longitudinal Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the spinal canal?

Opening in the vertebrae that the spinal cord passes through Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the vertebrae connects the vertebral body to the spinous and transverse processes?

Pedicles Signup and view all the answers

Where are the vertebral ligaments located that prevent hyperflexion of the spine?

Posterior Longitudinal Signup and view all the answers

What is the bilateral projection from the vertebrae that serves as a muscle attachment and articulation location with ribs?

Transverse Process Signup and view all the answers

What makes up the foramen of the vertebrae?

Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant source of morbidity and mortality related to spine and spinal cord injuries?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What group has the highest frequency of spinal cord injuries?

15-20 year-olds Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Spinal Cord Functions and Anatomy

The spinal cord primarily functions to transmit signals between the brain and the rest of the body, facilitating motor control and sensory perception.
Neurological level of injury refers to the specific segment of the spinal cord at which the injury occurs, influencing the extent of motor and sensory loss.
The sequence of spinal cord injury depends on the mechanisms of injury, including the type and direction of trauma, as well as individual physiological responses.

Causes and Consequences of Injury

Secondary injuries in spinal cord trauma are primarily caused by inflammation and ischemia that occur after the initial injury, leading to further neuronal damage.
The cervical plexus functions to supply motor and sensory nerves to the neck, shoulders, and parts of the diaphragm.
A T1 spinal injury often results in a loss of movement and sensation in the arms and hands, leading to paraplegia or tetraplegia, depending on the exact level of injury.
An L4 spinal injury impacts lower limb function, resulting in potential loss of sensation and motor control in the legs and feet.

Specific Injuries and Their Implications

A C5 spinal injury indicates preserved shoulder movement but likely results in weakness in elbow flexion and hand function.
In cases of lumbar spinal injury, cauda equina syndrome or nerve root damage should be suspected due to the potential involvement of lower lumbar and sacral nerves.
Complete transection of the spinal cord above C3-5 produces immediate respiratory failure, requiring ventilation support due to loss of diaphragm control.

Structural Components of the Spine

Intervertebral discs serve as shock absorbers between vertebrae, allowing for flexibility and reducing the impact on the vertebral bodies.
The vertebral body is the main weight-bearing component, responsible for supporting the body's weight and distributing load during activities.
The anterior longitudinal ligament provides major stability to the spinal column and resists hyperextension movements.

Functions of the Vertebrae and Ligaments

The spinal canal houses the spinal cord and protects it from mechanical damage, facilitating the safe passage of neural structures.
The lamina connects the vertebral body to the spinous and transverse processes, contributing to the structure and stability of the vertebrae.
The vertebral ligaments that prevent hyperflexion of the spine are located posteriorly, providing stability and limiting excessive movement.

Vertrebral Structures and Injury Statistics

The transverse processes extend bilaterally from the vertebrae, serving as attachment sites for muscles and articulation points for ribs.
The foramen of the vertebrae is formed by the vertebral arch and body, creating a protective passage for the spinal cord and exiting nerve roots.
Spine and spinal cord injuries are significant sources of morbidity and mortality, often resulting in lifelong disabilities.
Young adults, particularly males aged 16-30, have the highest frequency of spinal cord injuries, often related to accidents or sports-related incidents.

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Description

Test your knowledge on identifying spine components, understanding pathophysiology of SCI, initial management of spinal cord injured patient, and effects of SCI on the body.