b. Spinal Cord Injury and Resulting Dysfunction. Trauma to the spinal cord
can affect all the body systems -- motor system, sensory system, and autonomic
system. The part of the spinal cord damaged determines the resulting dysfunction.
Look at the following:
(1)
Cervical cord injuries. Injuries to the eight pairs of cervical nerves
cause:
(a) Paralysis of all the extremities and the body trunk. Initially, the
muscles become flaccid (soft), and later they become spastic.
(b) Bowel and bladder involvement and dysfunction.
(c)
Respiratory failure.
(2)
Thoracic cord injuries. Injuries to the 12 pairs of thoracic nerves cause:
(a) Paralysis of the lower extremities.
(b) Paralysis of the bladder and rectum.
(c)
Pain to the chest or back.
(d) Abdominal distention.
(3)
Lumbar cord injuries. Injuries to the five pairs of lumbar nerves cause:
(a) Paralysis of the lower extremities.
(b) Paralysis of the bladder and the rectum.
NOTE:
Lumbar cord injuries cause the affected muscles to become flabby and limp.
The severity of the lumbar cord injuries determines sensory perception and
muscle group damage.
MD0572
5-21