Question

RD suffered an incomplete C5 spinal cord injury during an automobile accident. It is day 4 of his hospital stay.

1. Explain which phase/stage of injury RD is in.
   1. Describe what is happening at the cellular level
   2. Describe the clinical manifestations.
2. His brother asks, “Will he be able to walk?” What is your best response?
3. Explain the clinical manifestations and complications that can manifest as RD recovers and enters into the chronic phase of spinal cord injury.

Answer 1

Explain which phase/stage of injury RD is in.

Here the patient is in the ending edge of Phase I of recovery , when the doctor releases him after the initial symptomatic management; for rehabilitation outside, including occupational therapy, counselling etc.

Describe what is happening at the cellular level

• Haemorrhage
• decreased ATP
• vascular disruptio
• distorted ionic balance.
• Glutatmate excitotoxiciy
• inflammation
• macrophage infiltration
• white mater disruption
• grrey mater demyelination
• connective tissue deposition
• glial scar/ cyst formation
• axonal sprouting

Describe the clinical manifestations.

• Extreme pain and pressure at back and neck
• fatigue, weakness and compleet or partial paralysis
• loss of sensation, and numbness
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• distorted balance on walking
• abnormal breathing
• depositoned or twisted or turned neck or back.

His brother asks, “Will he be able to walk?” What is your best response

Since the injury is incomplete, there is chances for quicker recovery and probably he can walk.Maximum rehabilitation procedures should followed.

Explain the clinical manifestations and complications that can manifest as RD recovers and enters into the chronic phase of spinal cord injury.

• tetraplegia
• pressure ulcers
• autonomic dysreflexia, etc.

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