Spinal Cord Injury Definitions

O'Sullivan SB, Schmitz T.
Physical Rehabilitation: Assessment and Treatment, 2nd edition.
FA Davis Company; Philadelphia, 1988.

Anterior Cord Syndrome
Incomplete spinal cord lesion with primary damage in anterior cord; loss of motor function, sense of pain and temperature; perseveration of proprioception, kinesthesia, and vibration below level of lesion.

Autonomic Dysreflexia (or Hyperreflexia)
A pathologic autonomic reflex seen in patients with high-level spinal cord injuries. it is precipitated by a noxious stimulus below the level of the lesion and produces an acute onset of autonomic activity. It is considered an emergency situation; symptoms include hypertension, bradycardia, headache, and sweating.

Avulsion
Pulling of tearing of a piece of bone away from the main bone.

Brown-Sequard Syndrome
Incomplete spinal cord lesion caused by hemisection of the cord; loss of motor function, proprioception, and kinestheia on side of lesion; loss of sense of pain and temperature on opposite side.

Bulbocavernous Reflex (Positive)
Pressure on the glans penis or glans clitoris elicits a contraction of the external anal sphincter.

Burst (Explosion) Fracture
A comminuted vertebral fracture associated with pressure along the long axis of the vertebral column; also associated with flexion injuries; bone fragments are displaced centripetally.

Cauda Equina Lesion
Damage to the peripheral nerve roots below the first lumbar vertebra; some regeneration is possible.

Central Cord Syndrome
Incomplete spinal cord lesion producing greater neurologic involvement in upper extremities (cervical tracts more centrally located) than in the lower extremities (lumbar and sacral tracts more peripheral).

Complete Lesion (SCI)
No sensory or motor function below the level of lesion.

Compression Fracture
A vertebral fracture resulting from pressure along the long axis of the vertebral column; closely associated with flexion injuries.

Contusion (SCI)
Damage to the spinal cord produced by pressure from displaced bone and/or soft tissues or swelling within the spinal canal.

Crede Maneuver
Technique for emptying urine from a flaccid bladder; pressure is placed between the umbilicus and sympysis pubis in an upward and downward direction.

Diaphoresis
Profuse sweating.

Dislocation
Displacement of a bone or vertebral body from its normal position.

Dysesthesias (SCI)
Bizarre, painful sensations experienced below the level of lesion following spinal cord injury; often described as burning, numbness, pins and needles, or tingling sensations.

Heterotopic Bone Formation
Abnormal bone growth in soft tissues; a potential secondary complication following spinal cord injury; occurs below the level of the lesion. SYN: ectopic bone.

Incomplete Lesion (SCI)
Some preservation of sensory or motor function below the level of lesion.

Intrathecal Injection
Central (within the spinal canal) chemical injection that interrupts the reflex arc; used to decrease severe spasticity.

Maceration
Softening of a solid by exposure to water or other fluid; usually pertains to the skin.

Micturation
Voiding of urine. SYN: urination.

Myletomy
Severence of nerve fibers of the spinal cord; used to reduce severe spasticity.

Myotomy
Surgical sectioning or release of a muscle; used to reduce spasticity.

Neurectomy
Partial or total excision or resection of a nerve; used to reduce severe spasticity.

Nocturia
Excessive urination during the night.

Osteoporosis
Decreased density or softening of bone.

Paraplegia
Refers to partial or complete paralysis of all or part of the trunk and both lower extremities from lesions of the thoracic or lumbar spinal cord or sacral roots.

Peripheral Nerve Block
Local chemical injection (e.g., phenol) used to block transmission of a motor nerve selectively; used to decrease spasticity.

Posterior Cord Syndrome
A rare incomplete lesion with primary damage to the posterior cord; preservation of motor function, sense of pain and light touch with loss of proprioception and epicritic sensations below the level of lesion.

Postural Hypotension
A decrease in blood pressure that occurs when moving toward an upright posture. This occurs normally but may be severe following prolonged bedrest.

Pressure Sore
Ulceration of soft tissue caused by unrelieved pressure and shearing forces. SYN: decubitus ulcer, bed sore.

Quadriplegia
Partial or complete paralysis of all four extremities and trunk, including the respiratory muscles from lesions of the cervical cord.

Rhizotomy
Division or severance of a nerve root; used to reduce severe spasticity.

Root Escape
Preservation of peripheral nerve roots at the level of a spinal cord injury.

Sacral Sparing
Incomplete lesion in which some sacral innervation remains intact; complete loss of motor function and sensation in other areas below the level of lesion.

Shearing
Application of a horizontal or parallel force relative to adjacent structures; opposite to force which is normally present; associated with fracture dislocations of the thoracolumbar region.

Spinal Shock
Period immediately following injury to the spinal cord; characterized by absence of all reflex activity, flaccidity, and loss of sensation below the level of the lesion; generally subsides within 24 hours.

Subluxation
Incomplete or partial dislocation.

Teardrop Fracture
Bursting type of fracture of cervical region; produces a characteristic anterior-inferior bone chip; fragment resembles a "teardrop" on x-ray film; associated with flexion and compression forces.

Tenotomy
Surgical section of a nerve; used to reduce spasticity.