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Related Concept Videos

Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology01:25

Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology

Early Ischemia and Ionic ImbalanceWithin minutes of spinal cord injury, a secondary cascade begins, progressing over hours to weeks. Vascular damage reduces blood flow, causing ischemia and mitochondrial dysfunction. ATP depletion leads to ion pump failure, membrane depolarization, sodium influx, potassium efflux, and water accumulation, resulting in cellular swelling. Increased intracellular calcium further disrupts mitochondria and accelerates cellular injury.Excitotoxicity and Neuronal...
Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology01:14

Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology

Spinal cord injury progresses through two interconnected phases: primary injury and secondary injury.Primary InjuryPrimary injury happens at the moment of trauma and involves immediate mechanical damage to the spinal cord.Compression happens when broken vertebrae, herniated discs, or accumulating blood (such as a hematoma) press directly against the spinal cord, distorting its normal shape and function. In cases of contusion, the cord is bruised by a blunt force (like penetrating injuries or...
Spinal Cord01:26

Spinal Cord

The spinal cord, a critical component of the central nervous system, extends from the base of the brainstem to the lumbar region of the vertebral column. It is essential for maintaining physical stability and facilitating communication between the brain and peripheral parts of the body.
Autonomic Nervous System: Overview01:26

Autonomic Nervous System: Overview

The human nervous system is divided into two main parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS is composed of the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS contains nerve cells, clusters of nerve cells, and the sensory receptors that are outside the CNS. The PNS has two types of nerve cells: sensory (afferent) and motor (efferent). Sensory cells send signals to the CNS from receptors, and motor cells carry signals from the CNS to organs, muscles, and...
Spinal Nerves: Plexus I01:22

Spinal Nerves: Plexus I

Nerve plexuses are networks of interlacing nerves that serve as communication hubs to distribute and organize nerve action across various body regions. The nerve plexuses are organized into the cervical plexus located in the neck region, brachial plexus in the shoulder area, lumbar plexus found in the lower back, sacral plexus situated in the pelvis, and coccygeal plexus located in the coccygeal region.
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...
Spinal Cord: Information Processing01:10

Spinal Cord: Information Processing

The spinal cord is an integral hub for motor and sensory information that enables the brain to communicate with the peripheral nervous system (PNS). This communication consists of relaying sensory data and transmission of motor commands.
Sensory Information Processing
Sensory information processing begins at the sensory receptors located in the skin and other tissues, which detect somatic sensory stimuli such as touch, temperature, or pain. These receptors function as catalysts, initiating...

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Assessing Functional Recovery of Eupneic Diaphragm Activity Following Unilateral Cervical Spinal Cord Hemisection in Rats
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Assessing Functional Recovery of Eupneic Diaphragm Activity Following Unilateral Cervical Spinal Cord Hemisection in Rats

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Autonomic function following cervical spinal cord injury.

Andrei Krassioukov1

  • 1International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Department of Medicine, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of British Columbia, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver Health Authority, Vancouver V5Z 1M9, BC, Canada. krassioukov@icord.org

Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology
|August 18, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes paralysis and autonomic dysfunctions affecting multiple body systems. Injury level impacts the severity of these autonomic issues, influencing long-term health outcomes.

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Assessing Forelimb Function after Unilateral Cervical SCI using Novel Tasks: Limb Step-alternation, Postural Instability and Pasta Handling
08:11

Assessing Forelimb Function after Unilateral Cervical SCI using Novel Tasks: Limb Step-alternation, Postural Instability and Pasta Handling

Published on: September 16, 2013

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Physiology
  • Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

  • Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to paralysis and significant autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction.
  • Autonomic dysfunctions in SCI patients contribute to increased mortality, particularly from cardiovascular and respiratory complications.
  • The level and severity of SCI dictate the extent of autonomic impairment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the relationship between SCI level and the resulting autonomic dysfunctions.
  • To highlight the impact of varying injury levels on cardiovascular, respiratory, and other organ systems.
  • To emphasize the importance of early recognition and management of autonomic issues in SCI.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on SCI and autonomic dysfunction.
  • Analysis of physiological responses based on injury level (high cervical vs. thoracic).
  • Correlation of SCI severity with specific autonomic impairments (cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, etc.).

Main Results:

  • High cervical SCI preserves parasympathetic control but disrupts sympathetic circuits, leading to distinct cardiovascular and respiratory responses compared to injuries below T5.
  • Injury level significantly influences autonomic control over organs like the bladder, bowel, and sweat glands.
  • High cervical injuries cause severe respiratory dysfunction due to diaphragm and accessory muscle involvement.

Conclusions:

  • Autonomic dysfunction is a critical consequence of SCI, with manifestations varying by injury level.
  • Understanding the correlation between SCI level and autonomic dysregulation is essential for patient management.
  • Timely intervention for autonomic dysfunctions is crucial for improving long-term health and survival in individuals with SCI.