concussion and spinal protocol

Question 1

what do you look for MOI?

Answer 1

compression/axial load (especially with neck flexed)
distraction (hard wrench of the neck laterally)
Torsion (forceful rotation of the neck)
shearing force

Question 2

first steps of a suspected spinal

Answer 2

scene survey
block the head/stabilize c-spine
LOC and Primary Survey (abc’s)
Secondary survey with vitals

Question 3

what to look for/red flags

Answer 3

mid-line tenderness/pain (at rest or with palpation)
numbness/tingling in head, neck, spine, limbs
weakness in limbs (bilateral or unilateral)
Blood/CSF from nose or ears
changes in LOC
Muscle spasm or unusual bumps/depressions on head
severe pain/pressure in head, neck or spine
restricted/painful ROM
unwilling to move/don’t feel right
MOI

Question 4

spinal assessment 4 parts

Answer 4

1. look for CSF - Halo test (what differs CSF from nasal fluid??)
2. palpation of accessible spinous processes
3. dermatome testing for sensory function (sharp and dull)
4. myotome testing for motor function (isometric contraction against controlled resistance)
5. active spinal movements only if asymptomatic

Question 5

what are dermatomes

Answer 5

sensory impairment related to level of spinal cord injury
4 segments
- cervical
- thoracic
- lumbar
- sacral

Question 6

what are myotomes

Answer 6

movements that originate from nerves in the spinal cord

Question 7

what is a concussion and its MOI?

Answer 7

brain injury caused by direct impact or indirect impact such as head contact or whiplash)