Spinal cord Injury SA for the exam W9

Question 1

spinal cord Primary Damage: Structural damage (hours/days)

Answer 1

stretching of axons
compression of axon
laceration and transection

Question 2

spinal cord Secondary Damage: Functional damage (days/weeks)

Answer 2

Acute phase – excitotoxicity
Sub-acute phase – Wallerian degeneration and glial scar formation

Question 3

Does axonal regeneration occur after spinal cord injury?

Answer 3

No regeneration of axons
* Scars form
* Scars physically block regrowth of axons and
* Growth inhibiting factors may be present inhibiting axonal regrowth

Question 4

What is Spinal Shock ?

Answer 4

Immediately after injury there is a temporary loss of spinal cord function below the level of a spinal cord injury

Question 5

What is Spinal Shock mechanism

Answer 5

conduction block due to leakage of K into extracellular matrix

Question 6

What does Spinal Shock result in

Answer 6

• Flaccid paralysis
• Loss of reflexes
• Altered/absent sensation
• Loss of bladder and bowel control
• Autonomic regulation of blood pressure is impaired
• Loss of control of sweating and piloerection