Pathophysiology

Spinal Cord Injury Secondary to Fall

Predisposing Factors Precipitating Factors

• mean age 33 yrs • Occupation:
Farmer/carpenter
• male to female ratio 4:1
fall from roof

Initial Impact/injury to the

spine T11 and T12

(PRIMARY INJURY)
Complete injuries - result in the total loss of
movement and sensation below the point of
injury

Activation of DAMP (Damage-associated

Molecular Patterns) about 12 hours after injury. Fever
These are proteins that signal other inflammatory
cells like cytokines when there is tissue damage
due to trauma

Obstruction of blood flow in the affected area

due to initial damage and swelling of nerve
tissues because of inflammation. Anti-inflammatory
drugs
• Dexamethasone
 PARAPLEGIA SECONDARY INJURY
Failure of Neural function below or Initial damage and by-products of inflammatory response
at the level of injury results to two kinds of cell death of the affected area
• motor neurons • Necrosis – tissue death due to trauma
• sensory neurons • Apoptosis or programmed cell death
- triggered or induced the by-products of
inflammation specifically by the free radicals

Sexual dysfunction

Bowel and bladder dysfunction

LEGEND
Paralysis and loss of sensation
AAA - Pathophysiology

AAA - Signs and Symtoms

AAA - Medical intervention