A Practical Guide to Care of Spinal Cord Injuries : Clinical Questions and Answers

This book, structured as a collection of questions and answers commonly encountered in the care of individuals with spinal cord injuries, aims to facilitate easy access to clinical and practical information for those involved in their treatment. The author, known for their expertise in spinal cord injuries, has developed this book to offer concise knowledge specifically tailored for clinicians and related healthcare professionals engaged in the care of spinal cord injuries. Unlike his previous works, this book goes beyond the traditional format and incorporates more concise and clinically-oriented questions and answers. Drawing from the author's practical experience and his role in training resident physicians in spinal cord medicine at the University Hospital, the content of this book addresses practical and clinical considerations. To enhance clinical understanding, the book extensively employs figures and tables throughout its comprehensive coverage of various aspects of spinal cord medicine. The author aspires for this book to serve as a valuable clinical companion, providing supplemental practical guidance for daily practice in the field of spinal cord injuries. Preface 6 Contents 8 1: Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries: A Historical and Clinical Perspective 12 References 28 2: Clinical Perspectives on Spinal Cord Development 30 References 45 3: Neuroanatomical Overview to Understand the Complexities of Spinal Cord Function 47 References 82 4: Assessing and Predicting Function After Spinal Cord Injuries 85 References 91 5: Biomechanics of the Spine and Spinal Cord and Pathophysiology of Spinal Cord Injuries 93 References 109 6: Kinematics-Related Understanding for Enhancing Extremity Muscle Functionality After Spinal Cord Injuries 111 References 125 7: Essential Laboratory Tests for Managing Spinal Cord Injuries 126 References 142 8: Understanding Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacotherapeutics in the Management of Spinal Cord Injuries 144 References 185 9: Assessment and Diagnosis of Traumatic Spine Fractures 189 References 203 10: Understanding the Role of Imaging Studies in the Management of Spinal Cord Injuries 205 References 221 11: Identifying and Assessing Spinal Cord Lesions: Clinical Approach 223 References 236 12: Standardizing Spinal Cord Injury Assessment and Classification 237 References 259 13: Epidemiology and Demographics of Spinal Cord Injuries 261 References 276 14: Spinal Shock: Understanding the Phenomenon and Reflex Recovery Patterns 278 References 288 15: Early Intervention and Care for Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries 290 References 309 16: Understanding Nontraumatic Spinal Cord Disorders 313 References 342 17: Understanding Neural Tube Defects: Abnormalities in Spinal Cord Development 347 References 353 18: Understanding Incomplete Spinal Cord Syndromes 354 References 369 19: Understanding Cauda Equina and Conus Medullaris Injuries 371 References 382 20: Understanding Syringomyelia and Chiari Malformations 384 References 395 21: Autonomic Dysfunction in Spinal Cord Injuries: Anatomy and Clinical Assessment 397 References 415 22: Cardiovascular Challenges in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation 417 References 429 23: Managing Autonomic Dysreflexia: Clinical Insights and Strategies 432 References 446 24: Blood Pressure Stabilization in Spinal Cord Injuries: A Focus on Orthostatic Hypotension and Supine Hypertension 448 References 464 25: Preventing and Managing Venous Thromboembolism in Spinal Cord Injuries 467 References 481 26: Respiratory Care and Intervention Strategies for Spinal Cord Injuries 483 References 516 27: Managing Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction in Spinal Cord Injuries 519 References 554 28: Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction and Gastrointestinal Complications in Spinal Cord Injuries 559 References 583 29: Understanding and Managing Sexual Dysfunction in Spinal Cord Injuries 586 References 606 30: Preventing and Managing Pressure Injuries in Spinal Cord Injuries 609 References 628 31: Abnormal Temperature Control After Spinal Cord Injuries 630 References 639 32: Neurogenic Heterotopic Ossification in Spinal Cord Injuries 640 References 653 33: Understanding Spasticity and Contractures in Spinal Cord Injuries 655 References 675 34: Understanding Electrolyte Imbalances in Spinal Cord Injuries 677 References 691 35: Metabolic Syndrome and Health Concerns in Spinal Cord Injuries 693 References 710 36: Pain in Spinal Cord Injuries: Taxonomy and Management 714 References 727 37: Pediatric Spinal Cord Injuries: Assessment and Management 729 References 752 38: Spinal Cord Injury in the Elderly and Aging of Spinal Cord Injuries 755 References 766 39: Co-occurring Conditions of Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury 768 References 775 40: Understanding and Managing Neurological Deterioration in Spinal Cord Injuries 777 References 782 41: Psychological Challenges and Adaptation in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation 784 References 795 42: Emergencies and Acute Care in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury Patients 797 References 809 Index 812