Spinal Cord Injury

Question 1

What are RFs for traumatic SCI?

Answer 1

Cervical spondylosis
Atlantoaxial instability
Congenital conditions
Osteoporosis
Spinal arthropathies

Question 2

What is primary injury?

Answer 2

Immediate effect of trauma which includes forces of compression, contusion and shear injury to the spinal cord

Question 3

What is a secondary injury?

Answer 3

Progressive mechanism of cord injury

Question 4

What is the initial evaluation of SCI?

Answer 4

ABCD - airway, breathing, circulation and disability

Question 5

What are sx of SCI?

Answer 5

Head injury
Unconscious or confused
Complaints of spinal pain
Weakness or loss of sensation

Question 6

How do we treat CV complications of SCI?

Answer 6

Neurogenic shock:

IV fluids, transfusion, vasopressors

Question 7

How do we treat respiratory complications of SCI?

Answer 7

Frequent suctioning

Question 8

What are treatments of SCI?

Answer 8

Glucocorticoids (MP)

GM-1 ganglioside

Question 9

How does GM-1 ganglioside work?

Answer 9

Protect against additional nerve cell death after spinal cord injury and also stimulates nerve-fiber growth and repair

Question 10

What is given for the anticipation of bradycardia?

Answer 10

Atropine

Question 11

What drug is avoided in SCI?

Answer 11

Succinylcholine after the first 48 hours

Question 12

How do we treat pain in SCI patients?

Answer 12

PCA

Question 13

How do we prevent VTEs in SCI?

Answer 13

SCDs
LMWH/UFH
IVC filter placement