Spinal cord injuries can be complete or incomplete. A complete spinal cord injury results in loss of all sensation and movement below the level of injury. Incomplete injuries include anterior cord syndrome where loss of pain and temperature sensation occurs below the injury along with motor deficits while light touch and position remain. Central cord syndrome causes greater motor deficits in the upper extremities compared to lower with variable sensory loss. Brown-Sequard syndrome results in ipsilateral paralysis and loss of some sensations with contralateral loss of pain and temperature. Causes of spinal cord injury include bullet or stab wounds, traumatic injuries, electric shocks, twisting of the body, or head impacts during sports.
4. DEFINITION
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is
damage to the spinal cord that
results in a loss of function such
as mobility or feeling.
5. TYPES OF SPINAL CORDINJURY
Complete Spinal Cord Injuries
Complete paraplegia is described as
permanent loss of motor and nerve
function at T1 level or below, resulting in
loss of sensation and movement in the
legs, bowel, bladder, and sexual region.
Arms and hands retain normal function.
6.
7. INCOMPLETE SPINAL CORD
INJURIES
Anterior cord syndrome
Loss of pain, temperature, and
motor function is noted below the
level of the lesion; light touch,
position, and vibration sensation
remain intact.
8.
9. CENTRAL CORD SYNDROME
Motor deficits (in the upper extremities
compared to the lower extremities;
sensory loss varies but is more
pronounced in the upper extremities);
bowel/bladder dysfunction is variable,
or function may be completely
preserved.
12. BROWN-SEQUARD SYNDROME
Ipsilateral paralysis or paresis is noted,
together with ipsilateral loss of touch,
pressure, and vibration and contralateral
loss of pain and temperature.
15. CAUSES:
Bullet or stab wound
Traumatic injury
Electric shock
Extreme twisting of the middle of the body
Landing on the head during a sports injury
