Faculty Collaboration Database

Not all spinal cord injuries involve a fracture. Adv Emerg Nurs J 2011;33(3):226-31

Date

08/13/2011

Pubmed ID

21836450

DOI

10.1097/TME.0b013e31822610f2

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-80052248044 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)

Abstract

A middle-aged unrestrained driver involved in a minor motor vehicle crash arrived in the emergency department in complete spinal immobilization. The patient was initially moving both arms and legs spontaneously to commands, crying out in pain and complaining of pain out of proportion to his physical injuries. The only visible injury was a minor abrasion to the forehead. Spinal cord injuries related to trauma are not always obvious. Central cord syndrome (CCS) should be included in the differential diagnosis for spinal cord injuries, even with a minor hyperextension injury without a cervical spine fracture. This case study outlines the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic tests, and management of a patient with CCS.

Author List

Stauber MA

Author

Mary Ann Stauber NP APP Inpatient 2 in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Accidents, Traffic
Central Cord Syndrome
Diagnosis, Differential
Emergency Nursing
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Neck Injuries
Pain