SCI physiology

Spinal Cord Injuries Physiology

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spinal injury to the respective levels causes damage to the corresponding organs, which might require further medical input

Spinal tracts: these continuously carry information up the spinal cord to the cerebellum in the brain via the sensory tracts and deliver information from the brain back down via the motor tracts. Meaning that if they are injured, the patient might not be able to feel heat or pain so care is needed when moving/handling and washing them

Dermatomes: Dermatomes are tested by touching the skin of both sides and comparing sensation felt. A positive test is where reduced feeling is reported. Each colour relates to a single spinal nerve root

Dermatomes are tested by touching the skin of both legs and comparing the sensation felt. each colour relates to a single spinal nerve root

Dermatomes are tested by touching the skin of both legs and comparing the sensation felt. each colour relates to a single spinal nerve root

Myotomes. A myotome is the group of muscles that a single spinal nerve root supplies. If myotomes test positive, there is muscle weakness.

Myotomes. A myotome is the group of muscles that a single spinal nerve root supplies. If myotomes test positive, there is muscle weakness.

Myotomes: A myotome is the group of muscles supplied by a single spinal nerve root. If myotomes test positive, there is muscle weakness

Myotomes

Myotomes

Myotomes

Upper limb reflexes: A normal response is a jerk/twitch response of the limb being tested. Slow or no response shows nerve compression on C5-6 (biceps) and C6-7 (triceps)

The knee and ankle reflexes are tested by hitting the patella and achilles tendons and observing the movement of the lower leg and foot. Slow response is a positive test, indicating a disc problem. The knee reflex is linked to the L3-L4 nerve root and the ankle to the L5-S1 nerve root. Where available, a reflex hammer is useful.

Babinski test: if toes splay in reflex this indicates a problem with the spinal cord/brain. sharp instrument along lateral border of the sole tests reflex

Clonus test: Clonus test: A positive test is when the foot shows rhythmic, uncontrolled movements, after being quickly and firmly bent upwards. It may indicate a problem with the brain/spinal cord and require medical assessment