6. DEFINITION
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is
damage to the spinal cord that
results in a loss of function such
as mobility or feeling.
7. TYPES OF SPINAL CORD INJURY
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.
13. RISK FACTORS
Men
Young adults and seniors
People who are active in sports
People with predisposing conditions
14. 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
Fall from a great height
16. CERVICAL (NECK) INJURIES
Breathing difficulties
Loss of normal bowel and bladder control
Numbness
Sensory changes
Spasticity (increased muscle tone)
17. THORACIC (CHEST LEVEL) INJURIES
Loss of normal bowel and bladder control
Numbness
Sensory changes
Spasticity (increased muscle tone)
Weakness, paralysis
18. LUMBAR SACRAL (LOWER BACK)
INJURIES
Loss of normal bowel and bladder control (you may
have constipation, leakage, and bladder spasms)
Numbness
Pain
Sensory changes
Weakness and paralysis
26. POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Blood pressure changes - can be extreme
(autonomic hyperreflexia)
Chronic kidney disease
Complications of immobility:
Deep vein thrombosis
Pulmonary infections
Skin breakdown
Contractures
27. Increased risk of urinary tract infections
Loss of bladder control
Loss of bowel control
Loss of sensation
Loss
of sexual functioning (male
impotence)
33. Impaired physical mobility related to
loss of motor function
Fluid
volume deficit related to
decrease LOC
Risk
for injury related to loss of
motor function
34. Urinary retention related to level of injury
Risk for Impaired skin integrity related to
trauma
Knowledge deficit regarding the treatment
modalities and current situation.
Anxiety related to outcome of diseases as
evidenced by poor concentration on work,
isolation from others, rude behaviour