ABSTRACT
Chapter overview 566 Incidence and aetiology 567 Neurological assessment and functional 567
classification of SCI Acute management/spinal stabilisation 568 Rehabilitation of spinal cord injury 572 Autonomic dysreflexia 573 Temperature control 576 Skin 571
Limb fractures 578 24-hour postural management 579 Personal hygiene and dressing 580 Elimination 586 Sexuality and fertility 586 Psychology 586 References 587 Further reading 587 Appendix 588
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this chapter the reader should be able to accomplish the following: • Gain a knowledge and understanding of the
anatomy and physiology of spinal cord injury (SCI) and the subsequent deficit following damage at different levels
• Identify the physical, psychological, developmental and social needs of children and young people with SCI
• Describe the impact and management of SCI on the growing child
• Discuss child-centred care and working in partnership with children and families
• Illustrate the significance and value of specialist spinal paediatric services
This chapter aims to introduce the complexity of the care involved in the ‘lifelong’ impact of spinal cord injury (SCI) on the growing child. Children with SCI have ongoing rehabilitation needs throughout their growth into adulthood. They are constantly evolving, cognitively, physically, psychologically and socially. In view of this, their
Definitions
Digital stimulation: insertion of one gloved lubricated finger into the rectum, rotate finger gently and remove/exit
Flaccid: flaccid paralysis is associated with a lower motor neuron lesion (LMN), where the lesion affects nerve fibres travelling from the anterior horn of the spinal cord to the relevant muscle
Neurogenic/neuropathic:
Paraplegia:
Poikilothermia: SCI affects a person’s ability to control their body temperature. Instead, the paralysed body adopts the temp’ of the local environment.
