Week 5 Incomplete Spinal Cord Transection PDF

Incomplete Spinal Cord Transection Pathophysiology Incomplete Spinal Cord Transection: Pathophysiology  Spinal cord injury alters neuronal transmission  Degree of dysfunction depends Segmental level (where) Type of injury (what caused) Degree of transection (severity)  Catego...

Incomplete Spinal Cord Transection Pathophysiology Incomplete Spinal Cord Transection: Pathophysiology  Spinal cord injury alters neuronal transmission  Degree of dysfunction depends Segmental level (where) Type of injury (what caused) Degree of transection (severity)  Categories Complete transection: sensation, motor function below level of injury are lost Partial transection: categorised based on transection 1. Central cord syndrome Bullock S, Hales M. Principles of pathophysiology. 3rd ed. Pearson Australia. 2. Anterior cord syndrome 3. Brown-Séquard syndrome Incomplete Spinal Cord Transection: Clinical Manifestations SCI may be complicated by Ischemia, Hemorrhage, Necrosis, Edema  Loss of function in incomplete SCI can be variable Generally:  Cervical injury: quadriplegia C1-2:loss of involuntary function, body temperature regulation C4 above: respiratory support may need Lower level injury: upper body function is preserved  Thoracic level: paraplegia T1: trunk and lower body control lost  Lumbar and Sacral level: loss of control of lower extremities Partial Spinal Cord Transections Central cord syndrome Anterior cord syndrome Brown-Sequard syndrome Partial Spinal Cord Transections Incomplete Spinal Cord Transection: Diagnosis  Diagnose and immediate treatment to prevent further damage  Conscious person: physical exam Cognitive function Motor function Sensory function  If injured has neck pain, weakness, unconscious: Diagnostic testing Imaging studies (X-ray, CT, MRI, myelography: imaging study of spinal anatomy after injecting radiographic dye into spinal canal subarachnoid space) Incomplete Spinal Cord Transection: Treatment  Suspected or confirmed vertebral injury: Immediate immobilization of the spine to prevent further damage  Pharmacologic Anti-inflammatory medication: large doses of corticosteroids Prevent inflammation and pressure on the spinal nerves  Surgery Correct fractures and decompress spinal cord Follow up: Promotion of functional abilities, rehabilitation Full recovery rare Impairments are permanent No cure/solution yet