The case of spinal cord injury presents five key terms: white matter, gray matter, tracts, roots, and spinal nerves. The gray matter holds all the synapses, and it is comprised of axons terminals, dendrites, and nerve cell bodies spiralling from the brain to the spinal cord. The gray matter is surrounded by the white matter, and it contains a myelinated sheath that covers the axons and spinal tracts ascending and descending the spinal cord. Clusters of axons containing motor and sensory neuron fibers form the spinal nerves. The spinal roots acts as the branches for the spinal nerves to access the vertebra through the dorsal root and get to different body parts. The process of spinal cord operation is seen in the spinal reflex, which is any rapid, involuntary, and pre-programmed response that is evoked by a certain stimulus (Kreutz, 2002) . The components of a reflex arc include the receptor, the sensory neuron, motor neuron, integration center, and the effector.
In this case study, we are presented with Jason, who is experiencing a spinal cord injury (SCI). SCI is a term that is used to refer to a damage that occurs in any part of the spinal cord at the end of the spinal canal. In the case of a complete spinal injury, the spinal cord undergoes total severing that eliminates functioning completely (Kreutz, 2002) . Incomplete spinal cord injuries, on the other hand, result in partial severing, and the injured person can function to some extent. Cases of SCI are pretty prevalent not only in the United States but also across the world. Data from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center shows drastic changes in the causes of SCI since 2010: vehicle caused – 38%, violence – 14%, falls – 30%, sports activities – 9%, medical/surgical – 5%, and other causes – 4%. Researchers also estimate that approximately 240,000 to 337,000 Americans live with SCI today ( Kretzer, 2016).
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Spinal Cord Injuries are categorized into two main groups: tetraplegia and paraplegia. Tetraplegia refers to the spinal cord injuries that occur above the first thoracic vertebra resulting in some level of paralysis in both hands and legs. Paraplegia, on the other hand, refers to the spinal cord injuries that occur below the first thoracic vertebra. In this case, the degree of injury caused to the legs depends on the intensity if injury but the injured individual can use their hands and arms fully (Kreutz, 2002) . It is the nerve fibers that allow for the pain sensation in the victim, and these are comprised of the dermatome and the myotome. Dermatomes are the nerve fibers that allow for feeling pain or sensation of touch to a corresponding sensory. A myotome is the corresponding muscle that allow for the execution of a stimulus such as straightening the elbow or bending the knee.
Spinal cord injuries are usually anatomically located using stretch reflexes. A stretch reflex is a muscle contraction when a muscle stretches, thus regulating the length of the skeletal muscle automatically. This reflex helps increase the resistance of muscles to passive motion. Stretch reflexes are used to anatomically locate SCI by checking the body parts that do not respond to CNS ( Kretzer, 2016) . For instance, failure of a leg to move when you tap the knee could be a sign of SCI.
Based upon the results of Jason’s neurological exam, we can conclude that he has paraplegia. In Jason’s case, the management of SCI can be achieved by him moving his fingers and arms, and this is an indication that his brachial plexus is in proper operation. Also, the fact that he can feel the pin sensation above the area of his groin shows that most of his thoracic region is working well. Failure to sense anything below his waist is an indication that there is a problem with his sacral and lumbar region.
References
Kretzer, R. (2016). A Clinical Perspective and Definition of Spinal Cord Injury. SPINE , 41 , S27. Doi: 10.1097/brs.0000000000001432
Kreutz, D. (2002). Life Care Planning for Spinal Cord Injury: Seating and Mobility Considerations. Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation , 7 (4), 28-37. Doi: 10.1310/l2xp-wgvw-hcc3-dgf1
