Neurology W2 Flashcards
SCI, neurodegenerative disorders
What type of tract is the lateral spinothalamic tract and what does it carry?
Ascending tract (sensory)
Responsible for pain and temperature sensation.
What does the anterior spinothalamic tract primarily sense?
Crude touch and pressure
It is an ascending sensory tract.
Where does the dorsal columns (medial lemniscus) tract cross and what does it carry?
At the pyramid motor (medulla) in the brain stem
It is responsible for proprioception, deep touch, 2-point discrimination, and vibration.
What is the main function of the lateral corticospinal tract?
Motor function of limbs and digit musculature
It is the main motor pathway, comprising 90% of the corticospinal tract.
What is the consequence of an injury to the lateral corticospinal tract?
is it UMN or LMN?
loss of CL mvmt below the level of the lesion, spasticity will also present due to damage of UMN, 10% will not cross so some function remains
This indicates upper motor neuron lesions.
What are the common traumatic causes of spinal cord injury?
Hyperflexion, hyperextension, axial load, rotation, penetrating injury, falls, transportation
40% are cervical incomplete; tetraplegic & paraplegic are common.
Describe the interpretation of each asia grade
A = complete, no motor or sensory function is preserved in the sacral segments (S4-5)
B= sensory incomplete
C= motor incomplete (1/2 below 3)
D= motor incomplete (1/2 above 3)
E= normal
What immediate treatment can prevent secondary injury in spinal cord injuries?
prevention of edema through: Direct application of ice
It helps prevent edema, ischemia, hypoxia, and necrosis.
What causes decreased blood pressure in individuals with spinal cord injuries?
Decreased heart rate and limited cardiac output because parasympathetic system is no unapposed (sympathetic located between T1-L1)
autonomic dysfunction can result from injuries to level T6 and above.
What does the ASIA scale measure?
Neurological classification of spinal cord injury
It assesses sensory and motor function.
What is indicated by the presence of Deep Anal Pressure (DAP)?
if present, indicates Sensory incomplete injury (ASIA B)
If present, it indicates some sensory function below the neurological level.
What defines the Zone of Partial Preservation (ZPP)?
Dermatomes below the sensory level and myotomes below the motor level that remain partially innervated (only referenced in ASIA A)
It is referenced only in complete (ASIA A) injuries.
What characterizes Central Cord Syndrome?
Greater loss of upper extremity function compared to lower extremity function (bc it often occurs in Cspine)
Common in elderly individuals due to hyperextension injuries.
What is the main feature of Brown-Sequard Syndrome?
Ipsilateral loss of proprioception/vibration sense and motor control, contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensation
Results from compression of one side of the spinal cord.
What are the symptoms of Anterior Cord Syndrome?
Bilateral loss of motor function, pain, and temperature below injury level
Light touch and proprioception are preserved.
What distinguishes Conus Medullaris Syndrome?
Combined upper motor neuron and lower motor neuron features
Injury occurs at L1-L2.
What is characteristic of Cauda Equina Syndrome?
Lower motor neuron type injury with variable loss and areflexic bowel and bladder
It is a surgical emergency.
What actions does the Sympathetic Nervous System prepare the body for?
Fight or flight response
Increases heart rate and blood pressure, dilates arteries to skeletal muscle.
What is the primary interest of the Parasympathetic Nervous System?
Rest and digest functions
It conserves energy and maintains bodily functions.
What is autonomic dysreflexia?
A noxious stimulus below the level of lesion causing a reflexive sympathetic response leading to hypertension
It occurs in lesions above or equal to T6.
What are the signs of neurogenic shock?
Bradycardia, hypotension, hypothermia
Occurs due to loss of sympathetic vascular tone.
What is a typical treatment for hypotension in spinal cord injury patients?
Volume resuscitation and vasopressors
This counters loss of sympathetic tone.
What are common health risks associated with spinal cord injuries?
Pressure sores, poor secretion clearance, DVT & PE
DVT signs include sudden lower extremity pain, redness, swelling.
What are contraindications for heterotopic ossification in spinal cord injury patients?
Forced PROM and serial casting are contraindicated
Symptoms include pain, increased spasticity, warmth, low-grade fever.