Spinal Cord Injury

Body Systems › Neurologic System › Spinal Cord Injury
Neurology Clinical reference

Spinal Cord Injury

SCI results in motor/sensory deficits below the level of injury. ASIA classification A-E. Neurogenic shock (T6 and above): hypotension + bradycardia. Autonomic dysreflexia: life-threatening.

SCI spinal cord injury cervical SCI tetraplegia paraplegia quadriplegia
Terms
2
ICD-10
6
Evidence
5
Trials
0
Latest evidence

Latest evidence

Core official overview

What this condition is

Your spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs down the middle of your back. It carries signals back and forth between your body and your brain. A spinal cord injury disrupts the signals. Spinal cord injuries usually begin with a blow that fractures (breaks) or dislocates your vertebrae, the bone disks that make up your spine. Most injuries don't cut through your spinal cord. Instead, they cause damage when pieces…

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Condition family & coding

Terms and documentation support

Condition matches & synonyms

Terms

Related diagnostic names, synonyms, and documentation wording that may appear in clinical references and charting.

Coccyx/sacrum fracture Cerebral contusion

ICD-10 quick links

Codes

For study support, terminology recognition, and documentation language.

T14.8XXA Other injury of unspecified body region, initial encounter T14.8XXD Other injury of unspecified body region, subsequent encounter T14.8XXS Other injury of unspecified body region, sequela S06.330A Contusion and laceration of cerebrum, unspecified, without loss of consciousness, initial encounter S06.330D Contusion and laceration of cerebrum, unspecified, without loss of consciousness, subsequent encounter S06.330S Contusion and laceration of cerebrum, unspecified, without loss of consciousness, sequela
Common tests

Tests performed

CT spine (bony injury) MRI spine (cord/ligamentous) ASIA classification ABG (cervical SCI — respiratory) CBC BMP Urinalysis (neurogenic bladder)
Common medications

Recognize the drug and the class

Methylprednisolone (controversial — within 8h) DVT prophylaxis Neurogenic bladder: Oxybutynin Spasticity: Baclofen, Tizanidine Autonomic dysreflexia: Nitroglycerine paste, Nifedipine
Related nursing diagnoses

NANDA diagnoses & care plans

Use these direct links to open nursing diagnoses and care-plan support related to Spinal Cord Injury.

Impaired Physical Mobility Autonomic Dysreflexia Impaired Urinary Elimination Risk for Pressure Injury Constipation
Official education links

Plain-language study support

Useful for plain-language reinforcement and quick review.

Spinal Cord Injuries Your spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs down the middle of your back. It carries signals back and forth between your body and your brain. A spinal cord injury disrupts the signals. Spinal cord injuries usually begin with a blow that fractures (breaks) or dislocates your vertebrae, the bone disks that make up your spine. Most injuries don't cut through your spinal cord. Instead, they cause damage when pieces… Paralysis Paralysis is the loss of muscle function in part of your body. It happens when something goes wrong with the way messages pass between your brain and muscles. Paralysis can be complete or partial. It can occur on one or both sides of your body. It can also occur in just one area, or it can be widespread. Paralysis of the lower half of your body, including both legs, is called paraplegia. Paralysis of the arms and le… Rehabilitation What is rehabilitation?Rehabilitation is care that can help you get back, keep, or improve abilities that you need for daily life. These abilities may be physical, mental, and/or cognitive (thinking and learning). You may have lost them because of a disease or injury, or as a side effect from a medical treatment. Rehabilitation can improve your daily life and functioning.Who needs rehabilitation?Rehabilitation is fo… Spine Injuries and Disorders Your backbone, or spine, is made up of 26 bone discs called vertebrae. The vertebrae protect your spinal cord and allow you to stand and bend. A number of problems can change the structure of the spine or damage the vertebrae and surrounding tissue. They include:InfectionsInjuriesTumorsConditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis and scoliosisBone changes that come with age, such as spinal stenosis and herniated disks…