Understanding Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary impact of a cervical spinal cord injury?

Loss of leg function

Impaired ability to breathe (correct)

Loss of bladder control

Difficulty in vision

Which of the following conditions is associated with thoracic spinal cord injuries?

Constipation (correct)

Loss of feeling in the arms

Difficulty breathing

Loss of hand function

What is the range of spinal cord injury cases reported annually in Canada?

450,000 cases

500 new cases

12,000 cases

85,000 cases (correct)

Which spinal cord injury level may result in possible paraplegia?

Sacral S1-S5 Signup and view all the answers

What type of function loss can occur due to a sacral spinal cord injury?

Loss of function in hips and legs Signup and view all the answers

Which statistic is true regarding spinal cord injury globally?

500,000 new cases each year Signup and view all the answers

What could be a direct consequence of a thoracic spinal cord injury?

Loss of bowel control Signup and view all the answers

In which spinal cord injury level might issues with the abdominal muscles arise?

Lumbar L1-L5 Signup and view all the answers

What is one of Steve's primary goals after his injury?

To improve his aerobic capacity Signup and view all the answers

What method is mentioned as a way for Steve to increase his power and aerobic capacity?

Hand exercise bike Signup and view all the answers

What significant improvement was observed in participants 5 years after their injury?

Enhanced peak aerobic power output Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of wheelchair users with a spinal cord injury experience shoulder pain?

30-73% Signup and view all the answers

Which advantage is noted from handcycling compared to wheelchair propulsion?

Higher efficiency Signup and view all the answers

What cardiovascular benefit did Steve experience?

Lower blood pressure Signup and view all the answers

What was the focus of the study comparing handcyclists with untrained SCI men?

Cardiorespiratory response Signup and view all the answers

What effect does improving aerobic capacity have on Steve's life?

It enhances his daily living and basketball performance Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of life is explored regarding persons with spinal cord injury in the qualitative study conducted in Ontario, Canada?

Perceived social isolation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a recommended consideration for persons with spinal cord injury according to exercise research?

Adapted exercise programs Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of the systematic review and meta-analysis on nutritional status in chronic spinal cord injury?

Long-term nutritional deficiencies Signup and view all the answers

What psychological condition was studied in relation to social isolation among individuals with spinal cord injury?

Major depression Signup and view all the answers

According to the research, what is a potential outcome of muscle stretching for individuals with spinal cord injury?

Prevention of contractures Signup and view all the answers

What type of study was conducted to assess the incidence and prevalence of traumatic spinal cord injury in Canada?

A health administrative data analysis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a major finding regarding goal setting in spinal cord injury rehabilitation?

Experience and perspective significantly impact goal achievement Signup and view all the answers

What does the systematic review on global incidence and characteristics of spinal cord injury suggest about injury trends since 2000?

An increase in reported incidents Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor that influences perceived social isolation in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI)?

Physical accessibility Signup and view all the answers

How does living alone impact social isolation for individuals with SCI?

It increases feelings of social isolation Signup and view all the answers

Which activity did Steve engage in to counteract his feelings of isolation?

Playing wheelchair basketball Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of social networks is critical in addressing perceived social isolation for individuals with SCI?

Quality of relationships within the network Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Steve's strategies to improve his social connections?

Maintaining contact with his peer mentor from the hospital Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated as a common consequence of spinal cord injury that impacts daily living?

Chronic pain Signup and view all the answers

How does embedding someone into the home affect feelings of social isolation?

It decreases perceived social isolation Signup and view all the answers

What tends to happen to the average social network size for someone with SCI compared to the general population?

It decreases significantly Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary benefit of improving cardiovascular health in individuals with spinal cord injury?

Reduced chamber dimension Signup and view all the answers

What are common issues that manual wheelchair users face?

Shoulder pain and reduced range of motion Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the goals of exercise related to muscle strength and bone health?

Protect against bone mass loss Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) in exercise?

It can delay bone loss and offset muscle atrophy. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an advantage of using elastic bands for exercise?

Accessibility and affordability Signup and view all the answers

How does Functional Electrical Stimulation improve metabolic health?

By helping to offset adiposity and muscle atrophy Signup and view all the answers

What change in the skeletal system can occur within the first year following a spinal cord injury?

Declines in bone mass of 30%-50% in hip and knee regions Signup and view all the answers

Which outcome is NOT a goal of exercising to increase flexibility and range of motion?

Improving metabolic syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant benefit of home training with elastic bands?

Prepares the body for further adaptations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about shoulder pain in individuals with spinal cord injuries is true?

Shoulder pain can limit the range of motion. Signup and view all the answers

What condition has led to Steve experiencing paraplegia?

Crushed T-9 vertebrae from a car accident Signup and view all the answers

Which activity is Steve able to perform with good upper body control?

Handcycling Signup and view all the answers

What symptom does Steve experience that affects his ability to use the wheelchair for long distances?

Fatigue and dizziness Signup and view all the answers

Which environmental factor makes it easier for Steve to get around?

Accessibility adaptations in his home Signup and view all the answers

What personal factor describes Steve's living situation?

Lives alone Signup and view all the answers

What recreational activity does Steve engage in that involves wheelchair use?

Wheelchair basketball Signup and view all the answers

What was Steve's occupation before the accident?

Accountant Signup and view all the answers

What is a major barrier that Steve faces in returning to daily exercise post-injury?

Chronic pain during workouts Signup and view all the answers

Which physical capability does Steve retain after his injury?

Upper body control Signup and view all the answers

Which fitness activity is mentioned as part of Steve's routine?

Resistance training Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

SCI is any sustained damage to the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal.
The spinal cord acts like a highway, sending nerve impulses between the brain and body. Damage to the cord disrupts this communication, leading to loss of mobility and sensation below the injury level.
Approximately 15 million+ people globally have SCI.
Around 500,000 new cases occur each year.
In Canada, there are 85,000+ people with SCI and about 4,500 new cases annually.
In British Columbia (B.C.), there are 12,000+ people with SCI; around 500 new cases occur annually.

How the Spinal Cord Works

The spinal cord is a thick bundle of nerves running through the vertebrae.
It's about 18 inches long, beginning at the brain's base and ending at the buttocks.
Nerve impulses carry messages between the brain and the rest of the body.

2 Kinds of Spinal Cord Injuries

Traumatic SCI (TSCI): The injury results from a sudden impact, such as a car crash, fall, violent act, or sports accident.
Non-Traumatic SCI (NTSCI): This type of injury originates from a condition like a cancerous tumor, inflammation, infection, or a birth defect (e.g., spina bifida), where the spinal cord is malformed or exposed at birth.

Traumatic SCI vs. Non-Traumatic SCI

Mechanism of Injury (TSCI): Falls, transport accidents, violence, and sports activities are common causes.
Etiology of Injury (NTSCI): Degenerative diseases, tumors, infections, and congenital disorders are examples.
Average age for TSCI: 46 years old.
Average age for NTSCI: 63 years old.

Forms of Spinal Cord Injury

Complete vs. Incomplete: Complete SCI means total loss of motor and sensory function below the injury level, whereas incomplete SCI has some remaining function.
Paraplegia vs. Quadriplegia: Paraplegia affects the arms and legs, and quadriplegia affects all four limbs.

American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Scale

The ASIA scale is used to classify the severity of SCI, which is based on the extent of sensory and motor function remaining.
Different grades from from A (complete) to E (normal) are assigned based on features like motor and sensory deficits below a defined injury level.

Levels of Spinal Cord Injury

Different injury levels in the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions of the spinal cord lead to varying degrees of loss of function.

Goal #1: Exercise

Significant portion (12%-29%) of those with SCI don't meet exercise guidelines.
Rapid decline in physical fitness after injury.
Exercise is vital for cardiovascular health, shoulder pain reduction, preventing muscle breakdown, and preserving bone mass.

Strong social support improves physical and mental well-being for people with SCI.
Social isolation is common after SCI, associated with depression and negatively impacts quality of life.

Goal #3: Pain Prevention/Management

Chronic pain is a frequent and debilitating consequence of SCI, affecting daily life, sleep, mental well-being, and activity participation.
Pain management strategies, such as exercise programs and medications, are integral to recovery and quality of life.

Programming

Designing an effective exercise plan requires careful consideration of the individual's specific needs.
Include appropriate warm-up and cool-down routines.
Avoid overexertion and prioritize safety.

Common Medications and Side Effects

Many people with SCI take multiple medications.
Medications often aim to prevent further injury or manage symptoms like inflammation, infection, or pain.
Possible side effects include weight gain, gastrointestinal issues, dizziness, and edema.

Environmental Factors

Environmental obstacles play a significant role in the daily life and adjustments of those with SCI.

Steve's Case Study

Case study of a 41-year-old man with a grade B spinal cord injury, experiencing physical, emotional consequences and challenges adjusting to daily life.

Study on Cardiovascular Health

Research demonstrates a crucial link between exercise and the maintenance of cardiovascular health in individuals with SCI, impacting long-term well-being.
HandCycling is a vital exercise mode for manual wheelchair users.

Beneficial Exercises

Elastic bands are a versatile and accessible tool for at-home training.

Home Training Examples

Specific examples given showing home training exercises using elastic bands for various muscle groups.

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Description

This quiz explores spinal cord injuries (SCI), their impact, and how the spinal cord functions. You'll learn about the statistics regarding SCI and the types of injuries that can occur. Test your knowledge on this important topic in neurology and rehabilitation.