Spinal Column and Spinal Cord Injuries.pptx
- 2. Spinal Column and Spinal Cord Injuries
- 3. Objectives At the conclusion of this presentation the participant will be able to: Identify the components of the spine Assess for spine and spinal cord injury Discuss the initial management of the spinal cord injured patient Evaluate the long term needs of the spinal cord injured patient Describe effects of spinal cord injury on the rest of the body
- 4. Epidemiology Approx 12,000 new cases per year Average age 40.7 years 80.7% male Increased incidence among African Americans (27%) and Asians (2%) Most common causes - MVC (41%), Falls, Violence
- 5. Anatomy and Physiology Vertebrae Discs Ligaments Spinal cord Vessels
- 9. Spinal Cord Spinal cord Nerve roots
- 10. Anatomy and Physiology Gray Matter Anterior - motor Inter-mediolateral sympathetic/ parasympathetic Posterior - sensory White Matter Anterior -motor Lateral 8 tracts Posterior -position
- 11. Spinal Cord
- 12. Anatomy and Physiology Upper motor neuron (UMN) Modulated by cerebrum, cerebellum, basal ganglia, reticular neurons Injury = paralysis, hypertonicity, hyperreflexia Lower motor neuron (LMN) Originated in CNS Injury = flaccidity, hyporeflexia, fasciculations
- 15. Mechanisms of Injury McQuillan, K., Von Rueden, K., Hartsock, R., Flynn, M., & Whalen, E. (eds.). (2002). Trauma Nursing: From Resuscitation Through Rehabilitation. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Company. Reprinted with permission.
- 17. Assessment Cervical vertebrae (7) Thoracic vertebrae (12) Lumbar vertebrae (5) Sacral vertebrae (5 fused) Coccyx (4 fused) Cervical plexus C3-4 Diaphragm C5 Deltoid and biceps C6 Wrist extensors C8 Hands T2-T7 Internal and External Intercostals T8-12 Abdominals L2 Hip flexor L3 Knee extension L4 Ankle dorsiflexion L5 Great toe extension S1 Ankle plantar flexion S2-5 Bowel, bladder, and sexual function Cauda Equinas
- 18. Dermatomes
- 19. Sensorimotor Assessment Lateral corticospinal tract Lateral spinothalamic tract Dorsal column
- 20. Reflex Assessment Test for sensory/motor sparing Major deep tendon reflexes (DTR) assessed Biceps (C5) Brachioradialis (C5-6) Triceps (C7-8) Quadriceps (knee-jerk) (L3-4) Achilles (S1-2) Scoring 0 to ++++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
- 21. Superficial Reflex Assessment Abdominal - umbilicus pulls toward stimulus Cremasteric - scrotum pulls up with stoking inner thigh Bulbocavernosus - anal sphincter contraction with stimulus Superficial anal anal sphincter contraction with stroking peri-anal area Priapism results with tugging on catheter
- 22. Spinal Cord Injury Primary From the time of initial mechanism of injury Secondary Any incidence of hypotension or hypoxia can result in further injury to the spinal cord
- 23. Spinal Cord Injury ASIA Impairment scale Complete (A) lack of motor/sensory function in sacral roots (S4-5) Incomplete (B) sensory preservation, motor loss below injury including S4-5 Incomplete (C) motor preservation below injury, more than 遜 muscle groups motor strength <3 Incomplete (D) - motor preservation below injury, at least 50% muscle groups motor strength >3 Normal (E) all motor/sensory function present
- 24. Cord Syndromes Central Cord Typically fall with hyperextension Elderly Presents with weak upper extremities, variable bowel and bladder dysfunction, disproportionately functional lower extremities
- 25. Cord Syndromes Anterior Cord Primarily a hyperflexion mechanism Anterior segment of spinal cord controls motor function below the injury
- 26. Cord Syndromes Brown-Sequard Hemisection of the cord usually from penetrating injury Loss motor on side of injury Loss of sensation on the opposite side Image found on Wikimedia.org
- 27. Cord Syndromes Conus Medullaris S4-5 exit at L1; may have L1 fracture Areflexic bowel and bladder, flaccid anal sphincter Variable lower extremity loss Cauda Equina Lumbar sacral nerve roots, with or without fracture Variable loss; areflexia; radicular pain
- 28. Complete Cord Injury Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia) Loss of function below the level of injury Includes sacral roots (bowel and bladder) C1-T1 Paraplegia Loss of function below the level of injury Below T1
- 29. Diagnostics Plain films Lateral, A/P, odontoid; C-T-L spines May be used for rapid identification of gross deformity CT Scan Comprehensive, cervical through sacral Demonstrates degree of compression and cord canal impingement MRI Scan Demonstrates ligamentous, spinal cord injury
- 30. Diagnostics Clearing the Cervical Spine Awake, alert, and oriented NO distracting injuries NO drugs or alcohol that alter experience NO pain or tenderness Clearing spine with films, CT, MRI Complaints of neck pain Neurologic deficit Altered level of consciousness, ventilator
- 31. Fractures-Dislocations Atlanto-occipital dissociation Complete injury; death Atlanto-axial dislocation Complete injury; death Jumped, Jump-locked facets Require reduction; may impinge on cord; unstable due to ligamentous injury
- 32. Fractures-Dislocations Facet fractures High incidence of cord injury in cervical spine Odontoid (dens) fractures Rarely cord injury
- 34. SCIWORA Spinal Cord Injury without Radiographic Abnormality Most frequently children Dislocation occurs with spontaneous relocation Cord injury evident Radiographs negative
- 35. Management Airway C1-4 injuries require definitive airway Injuries below C4 may also require airway due to Work of breathing Weak thoracic musculature Breathing Adequacy of respirations SpO2 Tidal volume Effort Pattern
- 36. Management Circulation Neurogenic shock Injuries above T6 Hypotension Bradycardia treat symptomatic only Warm and dry Poikilothermic keep warm Fluid resuscitation Identify and control any source of bleeding Supplement with vasopressors
- 37. Neurogenic Shock Injury to T6 and above Loss of sympathetic innervation Increase in venous capacitance Bradycardia Decrease in venous return Hypotension Decreased cardiac output Decreased tissue perfusion
- 38. Management Urine output Urinary retention Atonic bladder Foley Initially avoid intermittent catheterization High urine output from resuscitation fluids
- 39. Management Deficit Spinal shock Flaccid paralysis Absence of cutaneous and/or proprioceptive sensation Loss of autonomic function Cessation of all reflex activity below the site of injury Identify level of injury
- 40. Management Pain Frequent physical and verbal contact Explain all procedures to patient Patient-family contact as soon as possible Appropriate short-acting pain medication and sedatives Foster trust
- 41. Management Communication Blink board Adapted call bell system Avoid clicking, provide a better option Speech and occupational therapy Prism glasses Setting limits/boundaries for behavior
- 42. Management Special Treatment Hypothermia Recommends 33oC intravascular cooling Rapid application, Monitor closely Anecdotal papers No peer reviewed/ class I clinical research studies to substantiate High dose methylprednisolone No longer considered standard of care
- 43. Management Pharmacologic agents Lazaroids (21-aminosteroids) Opiate antagonists (Naloxone) EAA receptor antagonists Calcium channel blocker Antioxidants and free radical scavengers Arachidonic acid inhibitors
- 44. Management Reduction Cervical traction Halo Gardner-Wells tongs Surgical Stabilization Cervical collar convert to padded collar as soon as possible CTO or TLSO for low cervical, thoracic, lumbar injuries
- 45. McQuillan, K., Von Rueden, K., Hartsock, R., Flynn, M., & Whalen, E. (eds.). (2002). Trauma Nursing: From Resuscitation Through Rehabilitation. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Company. Reprinted with permission.
- 46. Management Rotational bed therapy Maintain alignment and traction Prevent respiratory complications of immobility
- 47. Management Surgical Determined by Degree of deficit, location of injury, instability, cord impingement Anterior vs. posterior decompression/ both Emergent Reserved for neurologic deterioration when evidence of cord compression is present SSEP during procedure to monitor changes Limited to ascending sensory tracts esp.. dorsal columns
- 48. Complication Prevention Respiratory Complications of immobility Atelectasis, Pneumonia Pulmonary embolism Respiratory insufficiency/ failure Level of injury affects phrenic nerve, intercostals Increased work of breathing, fatigue Rate and pattern are altered (accessory muscle use) Monitor breath sounds
- 49. Respiratory Ventilation Early intubation to prevent hypoxia and fatigue C1-4 injuries require tracheostomy and home ventilation training Quad cough training Communication tools Bronchoscopy
- 50. Respiratory Pulmonary management Weaning parameters Monitor SpO2 and ABGs Routine CXR Aggressive pulmonary toilet Postural drainage (PD) Chest physiotherapy (CPT) Kinetic bed therapy Suctioning
- 51. Respiratory Non-ventilated patients Pulmonary function tests Incentive Spirometry Non-invasive ventilation (CPAP, BiPAP) Abdominal binder Early OOB/ mobilization
- 52. Complication Prevention Cardiovascular Neurogenic shock IV fluids includes vasopressors Atropine or pacing ONLY when bradycardia symptomatic
- 53. Cardiovascular Orthostatic hypotension Decreased BP, possibly increased heart rate, dizziness or lightheadedness, blurred vision, loss of consciousness Provide physical support with hose, abdominal binder; salt tablets; Florinef; sympathomimetics Slowly raise the head of the bed for mobilization Turn slowly Prone to vasovagal response
- 54. Cardiovascular Poikilothermia Inability to shiver/sweat and adjust body temperature Keep patient warm Warm the environment Monitor skin to prevent burns or frostbite from exposure Insensate skin
- 55. Complication Prevention Gastrointestinal Ileus Gastric/ intestinal ulcers Pancreas dysfunction Nutritional deficiencies Constipation/ impaction Cholecystitis
- 56. Gastrointestinal Abdominal distention Nasogatric tube to decompress stomach Monitor bowel sounds Monitor N/G output for bleeding Gastric prophylaxis- Histamine blockers, proton-pump inhibitors, antacids Bowel routine Stool softeners, suppositories; high fiber diet Digital stimulation, fluids, mobilization
- 57. Gastrointestinal Nutrition Early enteral nutrition PO or tube feeding if ventilated Transpyloric tube if slow gastric emptying Hypermetabolic rate Feed as with any critically injured patient
- 58. Complication Prevention Venous thromboembolism Slightly higher risk the first 2-3 months post injury Duplex ultrasonography evaluation Prevention (x 3months) LMWH Apply sequential compression devices Vena cava filter (in patients who cannot be anti- coagulated or have failed anti-coagulation) Monitor for signs and symptoms Early mobilization, hydration
- 59. Complication Prevention Fluid restriction transition to straight cath Condom catheters, SPT Palpate for fullness (approx 5-600ml/4-6hr) Reflexive bladder involuntary contraction
- 60. Urinary Areflexive bladder Valsalva or crede Prone to incontinence/ skin issues Condom catheters, incontinence pads, conduit DSD Results in elevated voiding pressures Annual urodynamic evaluation Pharmacologic management, Surgical intervention (sphincterotomy)
- 61. Urinary Tract Infection Signs and symptoms Fever, spontaneous voiding between catheterizations, Autonomic Dysreflexia, hematuria, cloudy- foul-smelling urine, vague abdominal discomfort, pyuria Prevention Remove indwelling catheter as soon as clinically possible, intermittent cath, hydration
- 62. Urinary Renal calculi Chronic bacteriuria and sediment, long- term indwelling catheters, urinary stasis, chronic calcium loss Signs and symptoms persistent UTI, hematuria, unexplained Autonomic Dysreflexia KUB x-ray, IVP with cystogram, passage of stone Interventions - increased fluid intake, dietary modifications, lithotripsy
- 63. Complication Prevention Skin breakdown Pressure, insensate, dampness PREVENTION frequent turning, specialty beds, remove backboard asap; proper fitting braces Nutrition, mobilization, cushions, massage Early wound care specialist Surgery if deep Can cause delays in stabilization, rehabilitation
- 64. Complication Prevention Musculoskeletal Spasticity flexor, extensor, alternating Reduce venous pooling, stabilize thorax, aids in dressing and stand-pivot transfer Chronic pain, contractures, heterotrophic ossification, skin breakdown ROM, positioning, weight-bearing, splinting, pharmacologic management, surgery- neural severing (permanent)
- 65. Musculoskeletal Heterotrophic ossification Ectopic bone within connective tissue Below spinal lesion More often complete injuries with spasticity Redness, swelling, warmth, pain, decreased ROM, fever, positive bone scan
- 66. Musculoskeletal Contractures Imbalance of muscle innervation High level cord injury, skin breakdown, concomitant head injury, spasticity, HO, fractures PREVENTION aggressive ROM, mobilization, PT/OT, splinting, positioning, serial casting, anti-spasmodics
- 67. Complication Prevention A fluid filled cavity which develops within the spinal cord Most common symptom is pain Serial monitoring via MRI Surgical decompression Neurologic - Post traumatic Syingomyelia
- 68. Complication Prevention Autonomic dysreflexia An uncontrolled, massive sympathetic reflex response to noxious stimuli, below the level of the lesion Precipitating factors Full bladder Distended bowel Skin irritation, ingrown toenail UTI Uterine spasms, penile stimulation Tight clothing, wrinkled sheets
- 70. Autonomic Dysreflexia Sit patient upright to produce orthostatic hypotension Monitor BP every 5 minutes Monitor neurologic status (GCS) Eliminate the offending stimulus Empty bladder, bowel; identify skin lesion Administer anti-hypertensives if the above fails Education family and patient
- 71. Psychologic Pain/Depression Nocioceptive noxious stimuli to normally innervated parts Neurogenic nerve tissue injury in CNS or PNS Evaluate for depression associated with pain Counseling, ROM, pharmacologic treatment, TENS
- 72. Sexuality Male sexuality Erection parasympathetic Requires intact sacral reflexes, short- lived Technical aides, pharmacology, prosthesis Ejaculation sympathetic Intrathecal injection, electroejaculation, vibroejaculation Fertility decreased sperm motility and quality Serial ejaculation, in vitro fertilization
- 73. Sexuality Female Lack innervation to pelvic floor Maintain reflex lubrication/ congestion Loss psychogenic/ fantasy response Fertility normal Pregnancy loss of sensation, increased BP, may precipitate AD Decreased respiratory excursion Alter GI/GU management
- 74. Rehabilitation Mobility Tendon transfer Functional electrical stimulation Lower level of injury, more functional Bowel and Bladder Management Prevention of complications
- 75. Summary Spinal cord injury occurrence is decreased with safety equipment use Prevent secondary injury to result in optimal neurologic recovery Spinal column fractures can occur without long term effects Spinal cord injury requires diligence in complication prevention