Spinal Cord Injuries Tiffany, Kayla, and Hunter

"I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles. "

Mind over Matter

What is Spinal Cord Injury? Spinal cord injury is the result of a direct trauma to the nerves themselves or indirect damage to the bones and soft tissues and vessels surrounding the spinal cord. usually begins with a sudden, traumatic blow to the spine that fractures or dislocates vertebrae.

Causes of Spinal Cord Injury The most common causes of spinal cord injuries in the United States are: ●

Motor vehicle accidents. Auto and motorcycle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries, accounting for more than 35 percent of new spinal cord injuries each year.

●

Falls. Spinal cord injury after age 65 is most often caused by a fall. Overall, falls cause more than one-quarter of spinal cord injuries.

●

Acts of violence. Around 15 percent of spinal cord injuries result from violent encounters, often involving gunshot and knife wounds, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center.

●

Sports and recreation injuries. Athletic activities, such as impact sports and diving in shallow water, cause about 9 percent of spinal cord injuries.

●

Alcohol. Alcohol use is a factor in about 1 out of every 4 spinal cord injuries.

Diseases. Cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis and inflammation of the spinal cord also can cause spinal cord injuries.

Two Types of Spinal Cord Injury Spinal cord damage results in a loss of function, such as mobility or feeling. Complete

Incomplete

Almost all feeling (sensory) and all ability to control movement (motor function) are lost below the spinal cord injury.

You have some motor or sensory function below the affected area. There are varying degrees of incomplete injury.

Quadriplegia: injury to the neck can affect the arms, chest, and legs.

Paraplegia: injury to the middle of the back usually affects the legs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZlFEk_32Hg

Diagnosis Result from direct injury to the cord itself or indirectly from disease of the surrounding bones, tissues, or blood vessels.

SCIs are not always immediately recognizable. Head injuries, particularly those with trauma to the face ●

Pelvic fractures

●

Penetrating injuries in the area of the spine

●

Injuries from falling from heights

Prognosis ● ●

●

● ●

Prognosis is much better for the incomplete cord syndromes 90% of patients with spinal cord injury return to their homes and regain independence If some sensory function is preserved, the chance that the patient will eventually be able walk is greater than 50% If complete paralysis persists at 72 hours after injury, recovery is most likely zero. Depends on level of injury

Treatment ●

The Acute Phase (first few days) ○ ○ ○ ○

Receive prompt medical care Spinal shock Treatment of other injuries Surgery to relieve compression of the spinal tissue by surrounding bones broken or dislocated by the injury is often necessary, through timing of such surgery may vary widely.

● ● ●

●

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJBXlZrz99M

● ●

The Rehabilitation Phase (after stabilization) ○ PLAN for success Helping the person understand his or her injuries Helping the person become as independent as possible in everyday activities such as bathing, eating, dressing, grooming, and wheelchair use Helping the person learn to accept a new lifestyle, especially pertaining to sexual, recreational, and housing options Helping the person learn how to instruct caregivers in how to assist them Preparing them for vocational rehabilitation

Special Needs Bowel Control Bladder Control Circulatory Control Skin Sensation Respiratory system

Depression Sexual Health Fitness and wellness

Muscle Tone Pain

Specific tests, equipment, medication, etc. ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Mobility devices. Hospital beds Transfer equipment Positioning devices Respiratory equipment Self-care tools Environmental control devices

TR implications ● ● ● ● ● ●

● ●

Stress reduction Overall well-being Social contacts Increased endurance Skill development Increase confidence and self-esteem Interpersonal skills Community reintegration

Resources (local, state, national, & international)

Kollin’s Story https://vimeo.com/93104026