Spinal Cord Injury Overview and Etiology

Determined by testing 10 key muscle groups on both the left and right sides of the body. The lowest myotome with a grade of at least 3, assuming the one above it has a grade of 5, determines the motor level.

The lowest myotome that has a grade of 3 or more when the myotome above it has a grade of 5.

A numerical scale from 1 to 5 that represents the strength of a muscle group. A grade of 5 indicates normal strength, while a grade of 1 represents no movement.

The segment of the spinal cord that controls a specific muscle group.

Determined by testing light touch and pin prick sensation on both the right and left sides of the body. Each side is graded on a 3-point scale.

Damage to the spinal cord resulting in symptoms below the level of injury.

A sensory tract ascending the spinal cord, responsible for proprioception, vibration, fine touch and pressure.

A sensory tract ascending the spinal cord, responsible for pain, temperature, and crude touch.

A motor tract descending the spinal cord, controlling voluntary movement from the neck to the feet.

Involvement of the brachial plexus, affecting the arms more than the legs.

Affects the legs more than the arms, due to its location.

Incomplete SCI preserves some sensory and motor function, while complete SCI has no sensory or motor function.

Paraplegia affects two limbs (legs and pelvic organs), while tetraplegia affects all four limbs.

The lowest level of the spinal cord where both sides of the body have normal motor and sensory function.

Defines the dermatomes and myotomes below the motor or sensory level that are still partially innervated.

A spinal cord syndrome characterized by loss of sensation in the back columns (vibration, light touch, proprioception) and the corticospinal tract on the same side of the body. Contralaterally, there is loss of pain and temperature sensation. Often the result of a penetrating injury.

A spinal cord syndrome caused by damage to the anterior spinal cord. It results in loss of motor function and pain/temperature sensation below the level of injury, but sparing touch and proprioception.

A spinal cord syndrome caused by damage to the posterior spinal cord. Leads to loss of touch, pressure and proprioception, but typically spares pain and temperature sensation. Can be caused by trauma or vascular issues affecting the back of the cord.

A neurological injury affecting the upper motor neurons, typically above the conus medullaris (T12). It's characterized by hyperreflexia, spasticity, and positive Babinski sign.

A neurological injury affecting the lower motor neurons, typically below the conus medullaris (T12). It's characterized by flaccidity, hyporeflexia, and muscle atrophy.

A serious complication of spinal cord injuries above T6. It involves a sudden surge in blood pressure due to exaggerated autonomic responses to stimuli below the injury level.

A potentially fatal complication related to spinal cord injury. It's a lung infection, usually caused by aspiration or weakened respiratory muscles.

A condition characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up, often seen in spinal cord injuries affecting the autonomic nervous system.

Occurs when signals from the brain are blocked by the SCI, causing an overreaction of the sympathetic nervous system.

Severe headache, sweating, high blood pressure, and a pounding heartbeat are common symptoms.

A bladder condition in people with SPIs where they have too much tone in their bladder muscles and they void involuntarily.

A bowel condition in people with SPIs where they have too much tone in their bowel muscles and they void involuntarily.

A condition that occurs in people with SPIs where they have too little tone in their bladder muscles and they don't void easily.

A condition that occurs in people with SPIs where they have too little tone in their bowel muscles and they don't void easily.

A condition that occurs in people with SPIs where their skin breaks down due to pressure, immobility, and other factors.

A stage in the rehabilitation process where patients often transition from acute care to a specialized facility for longer-term therapy. Focusing on regaining functional mobility and enhancing independence.

The ability to move and position the body in a way that allows for daily activities and tasks. This includes transferring in and out of bed, walking, and performing self-care tasks.

A type of exercise that involves moving body parts through a controlled range of motion. It is often used to prevent stiffness, improve flexibility, and maintain muscle health.

A crucial aspect of rehabilitation that focuses on helping patients regain the ability to perform everyday activities. This may include dressing, bathing, feeding, and using the bathroom.

Maintaining skin integrity means protecting the skin from injury and infection. Common issues for SCI patients include pressure sores.

A medical device that is used to support and improve mobility. Examples include wheelchairs, crutches, and walkers.

The capacity to sustain physical activity over a period of time. It's important for overall health and well-being.

The focus of outpatient therapy, which focuses on helping individuals return to their previous lifestyle and gain independence in the community.