Spinal Cord Injury

Question 1

How long is the spinal cord?

Answer 1

18”

Question 2

What are the two types of messages that go through the spinal cord and what is the difference?

Answer 2

Efferent: brain to the body

Afferent: body to brain

Question 3

What is the difference between a complete spinal cord injury and an incomplete spinal cord injury?

Answer 3

Complete: nerve impulses can’t get through. Paralysis (loss of mobility and sensation)

Incomplete: some nerve impulses get through. One side of the body may be stronger than the other ( may only feel extreme hot or cold)

Question 4

Name 4 different ways a person may obtain a spinal cord injury?

Answer 4

1. Motor vehicle accident( most common)
2. Sports/falls
3. Violence
4. Birth trauma (more so mother)
5. Disease (least common)

Question 5

What metaphor does Colleen use to explain the function of that spine?

Answer 5

The spinal cord is like a highway that sends messages from the brain to the body and visa versa

Question 6

What is the prevalence of spinal cords injury of male to female ?

Answer 6

Male 4:1 female

Question 7

What are the three types of spinal cord injury and define each one?

Answer 7

1. flex: over extension of spine
2. bruise: bleeding around spine
3. Break: cracks in two

Question 8

Spinal cord injury could result in what different types?

Answer 8

Full or partial paralysis

Temporary or permanent

Question 9

What are the 6 different treatments for spinal cord injury?

Answer 9

1. medication
2. surgery
3. rehabilitation therapies
4. Experimental treatments
5. Ongoing care
6. Adaptations & AIDS

Question 10

What is the role of the SCC when working with an individual with a spinal cord injury?

Answer 10

1. ADL adaptation
2. Self concept &a self esteem
3. OT/PT
4. Emotional / body image