Spinal Cord Injuries

Reflex Testing Important medical diagnostic tool Weak, exaggerated, or absent reflex responses may indicate problems with portions of the nervous system Can help determine the exact area of spinal injury

Spinal Cord Injuries When the spinal cord receives a severe impact damage to the spine can affect its ability to send impulses to body parts When there is a serious injury to the spinal cord, the nerves above the injury keep working The nerves below the injury may or may not still function

Paraplegia and Quadriplegia Paraplegia – the injury prevents the use of the legs but NOT the arms Quadriplegia – the injury prevents movement in both the arms and legs

Rehabilitation Involves extensive physiotherapy (maybe surgery)‏ Counselling to help the person and their family deal with the new situation May be able to regain mobility in damaged limbs

Head Injuries - Concussions Much more common than spinal cord injuries Any head injury is life threatening Concussion – results from a blow to the head, literally shaking the brain within the skull  Often involves injury to nerve fibres  Can be mild or severe  Brain cells become abnormal and do not function properly  Second direct or indirect impact can cause dangerous change in the brain's blood supply Leads to rapid brain swelling that can cause coma or death