Spinal Cord Injuries

By Logan, Sandy and Andrew

What is a Spinal Injury?

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is when damage occurs in the spinal cord which
results in impairment or loss of function of the nerves emerging from the
spine.
This ends with the victim having low or no mobility or feeling.
Types of Spinal Injury
Complete
Quadriplegia
Paraplegia

Incomplete
Triplegia
Anterior Cord Syndrome
Central Cord Syndrome
Brown-Sequar Syndrome

Acute Injuries
Fracture
Contusion
Sprain
Strain

Prevention
Avoid stress on the back; stay in shape
Flexibility especially hamstrings and hip flexors
Strengthening of abdomen, hip flexors and back muscles
Never move someone if you suspect a spinal cord injury
Treatment
Reflex testing can determine exact spot of injury
Physiotherapy is required
Surgery may be used depending on severity
Counsellors/ Physiologists are common
Spinal traction
P.I.E.R. (Pressure, Ice, Elevation, Rest)
Cardio, only if possible

Causes of SCI

Car Accidents: 35%

Falls: 16.5%
Medical: 10.8%
Sports: 6.7%
Other Motor Vehicle Accidents: 6.2%
Diving: 5.3%
Industrial Accidents: 5.3%
Other: 14.2%

Statistics
1 of 4 spinal cord injuries involve alcohol
Males are more likely to sustain SCI
MRIs and CAT scans can be used to assess injuries but ultrasounds
cannot
Paraplegia is just as common as quadriplegia
Average cost of normal wheelchair $4-500, motorized wheelchair
$10-15000