Spinal Cord Injury
Description
Diagnosis Coding
S12.x, fracture of the cervical vertebra and other parts of the neck
ICD-10 Coding Reference for Injury of Nerves and Spinal Cord at Thorax Level provides the additional digits needed to code for specific type and location of injury.
Description
Spinal cord injury (SCI) may result directly from injury to the cord (e.g., from birth injury, falls, motor vehicle accidents, non-accidental shaking, or diving and trampoline accidents) or indirectly from disease of the surrounding bones, tissues, or blood vessels. SCI can also occur in the setting of autoimmune demyelination (e.g., transverse myelitis, neuromyelitis optica, or other autoimmune myelopathies). [Cree: 2014] Most injuries occur at the C1-C3 levels in children younger than 8 years. [Eric: 2006] The more elastic intervertebral ligaments and more horizontally aligned facet joints in young children predispose them to subluxation of the cervical spine without bony injury. Immature neck muscles and a proportionally large head further compound this effect.Multi-system trauma, such as head injury, fractures of pelvis and long bones, and visceral injuries, often accompanies SCI. The acute period of spinal shock, manifested by hypotonia, flaccid muscles, and decreased or absent deep tendon reflexes below the level of injury, is followed over the next 1-12 weeks by the return of reflexes and development of spasticity. New bowel and bladder problems may occur during this phase. Overlaid on this process is the possibility of some recovery, depending on the extent of the injury. [Wang: 2004] The manifestations of SCI evolve over time, requiring the medical home and collaborating specialists, particularly physiatrists and the rehabilitation team, to adjust their approaches periodically to optimize a child's function and outcome.
Prevalence
SCI in children is rare, accounting for approximately 5% of all SCI. The incidence of new SCI in children in the United States is 1.99 per 100,000 per year. [Vitale: 2006]Genetics
There is no genetic component to traumatic SCI. Although heavily suspected, the genetic aspects of autoimmune-related SCI have not yet been determined.Prognosis
Prognosis depends on the injury level within the spinal cord, the mechanism and severity of injury, and associated complications. Children are more likely than adults to show some neurological improvement than those in adults. [Wang: 2004]Roles Of The Medical Home
The medical home can:- Schedule frequent health maintenance and/or chronic condition management visits to monitor for complications, build a strong partnership with the family, and remain aware of possible new issues.
- Ensure that the family has access to reliable, family-focused information about SCI and relevant community services and resources.
- Facilitate access to other health professionals, coordinate the care that they provide, and interpret the information and advice they offer.
- Guide the family in working with preschool and school systems to ensure appropriate accommodations. This assumes even greater importance if a brain injury accompanies the SCI. (The Medical Home Portal's Traumatic Brain Injury module contains assessment and management information for this condition.)
- Facilitate access to private providers if the child needs services such as PT and OT and is not getting adequate services within the school system.
- Assess parental stress and social supports during each visit to the medical home.
- Help the child and family to accept diagnosis, adapt to the injury, optimize remaining function, and allow for the best future life.
- Evaluate for depression or other mental health issues.
Issues and complications to be watched for and managed in the medical home include:
- Autonomic dysreflexia - which can be a true medical emergency
- Decubitus ulcers
- Muscle atrophy and joint contractures, scoliosis, spasticity
- Neurogenic bowel and bladder
- Pulmonary complications
- Adjustment problems, behavior problems, depression
- Heterotopic ossification
- Sexuality and reproduction issues
- Depression
- Scoliosis
- Hip instability
- DVT/PE
34 KB) may be helpful in assessing patients with SCI.
Practice Guidelines
Rozzelle CJ, Aarabi B, Dhall SS, Gelb DE, Hurlbert RJ, Ryken TC, Theodore N, Walters BC, Hadley MN.
Management of pediatric cervical spine and spinal cord injuries. In: Guidelines for the management of acute cervical spine
and spinal cord injuries.
Neurosurgery.
2013;72 Suppl 2:205-26.
PubMed abstract / Full Text
Calhoun CL, Schottler J, Vogel LC.
Recommendations for mobility in children with spinal cord injury.
Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil.
2013;19(2):142-51.
PubMed abstract / Full Text
Helpful Articles
PubMed search for pediatric spinal cord injuries (articles published within the last 5 years).
Sayama C, Chen T, Trost G, Jea A.
A review of pediatric lumbar spine trauma.
Neurosurg Focus.
2014;37(1):E6.
PubMed abstract / Full Text
Parent S, Mac-Thiong JM, Roy-Beaudry M, Sosa JF, Labelle H.
Spinal cord injury in the pediatric population: a systematic review of the literature.
J Neurotrauma.
2011;28(8):1515-24.
PubMed abstract / Full Text
Klaas SJ, Kelly EH, Anderson CJ, Vogel LC.
Depression and anxiety in adolescents with pediatric-onset spinal cord injury.
Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil.
2014;20(1):13-22.
PubMed abstract / Full Text
Buldini B, Amigoni A, Faggin R, Laverda AM.
Spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormalities.
Eur J Pediatr.
2006;165(2):108-11.
PubMed abstract / Full Text
This article describes SCIWORA and discusses its incidence and importance in the pediatric spinal cord injury population.
Bauer SB.
Neurogenic bladder: etiology and assessment.
Pediatr Nephrol.
2008;23(4):541-51.
PubMed abstract / Full Text
Clinical Assessment
Overview
Understanding the nature of the SCI, its likely impact on function, and the potential complications and sequelae are important. The immediate focus after injury is stabilization and recovery; a rehabilitation team is usually consulted early in the process while the child is still in the intensive care unit. The manifestations of SCI evolve over time. Initially, there is a period of spinal shock when the child is hypotonic, with flaccid muscles and decreased or absent deep tendon reflexes below the level of injury. The second phase evolves over the next 1-12 weeks as reflexes return and spasticity results. New bowel and bladder problems may occur during this latter stage. Overlaid on this process is the possibility of some recovery, depending on the extent of the injury after edema decreases and contusions resolve. [Wang: 2004] This evolution will continue after the child leaves rehabilitation for care in a medical home. Ongoing programs for the major care areas (respiratory, muscle/bone/joint care, decubitus prevention, bowel and bladder management) will be needed. See Medical Home Questionnaire for SCI (MHP) ( 34 KB) for history and physical exam items to consider in the ongoing care of a child with an SCI.
Screening
For The Condition
Traumatic SCI should be highly suspected in the presence of abnormal neck or neurological exam, a high-risk mechanism of injury, or a distracting injury even in the absence of radiological anomaly. [Parent: 2011] Consider screening special populations at risk, which include patients with trisomy 21, JRA, skeletal dysplasias, and those with tumors, infection, or arteriovenous malformation (AVM).For Complications
Consider screening for depression, diabetes, obesity, scoliosis, bowel/bladder dysfunction, decubitus ulcers, and chronic pain.Presentations
The signs of SCI will depend on where in the spinal cord the injury occurred. Partial injuries to the spinal cord are as likely as complete injuries, which may involve unusual patterns of motor and sensory loss. Examples of unusual patterns of motor and sensory loss include Brown-Sequard syndrome, with unilateral muscle weakness and contralateral sensory loss, and central cord syndrome, which involves the upper extremities more than the lower extremities. (Paraplegia involves paralysis of the legs and lower body; quadriplegia, or tetraplegia, involves paralysis of all four limbs.) Cervical cord lesions may also cause bilateral Horner's syndrome, due to sympathetic nervous system involvement, and additional problems with autonomic system function. Loss of sphincter control for bowel and bladder are associated with injury at all cord levels.Children are more likely to present with SCIWORA (spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormalities), a condition where the spinal cord MRI shows significant damage but plain radiographs show no injury to bony structures. This type of injury, presumably indirect and usually ligamentous in nature, is seen in approximately one third of spinal cord injuries in children 0-5 years. The proportion decreases dramatically in the higher age groups. [Buldini: 2006] Because late and recurrent neurological deficits have been described after SCIWORA, follow-up spine MRIs are indicated. [Launay: 2005]
ADL Needs by SCI Level (
65 KB) provides an overview of the impact of various levels of injury on activities of daily living.
Clinical Classification
The ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) is used to categorize the degrees of injury:A: Complete: no motor or sensory function is preserved below the level of injury, including the sacral segments S4-S5
B: Incomplete: sensory, but not motor, function is preserved below the neurologic level and some sensation in the sacral segments S4-S5
C: Incomplete: motor function is preserved below the neurologic level, however, more than half of key muscles below the neurologic level have a muscle grade less than 3 (i.e., not strong enough to move against gravity)
D: Incomplete: motor function is preserved below the neurologic level, and at least half of key muscles below the neurologic level have a muscle grade of 3 or more (i.e., joints can be moved against gravity)
E: Normal: motor and sensory functions are normal.
International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury Worksheet (ASIA) (
637 KB) provides a two-page classification worksheet.
Medical Conditions Causing Spinal Cord Injury
SCI can occur in the setting of transverse myelitis due to para-infectious or autoimmune mediated spinal cord inflammation, secondary to tumor-related mass effect and following disruption of its vascular supply (i.e., cord ischemia or infarction). See Evidence-based guideline: Clinical evaluation and treatment of transverse myelitis (American Academy of Neurology) for an abstract with recommendations.Comorbid Conditions
- Traumatic Brain Injury (depending on method of injury)
- Orthopedic and/or dermatologic issues
- Bowel/bladder issues
- Depression
- Chronic pain
- Pressure ulcers
Pearls & Alerts
Autonomic dysreflexia = medical emergencyAutonomic dysreflexia can be life threatening. It occurs in about half of children with SCI above T6, although it is rarely seen in children younger than 5 years. It is caused by an exaggerated response of the autonomic nervous system to irritation of the skin (tight clothing bands, sunburn, ingrown toenail, etc.) or bowel or bladder issues (overfull bladder, fecal impaction, etc.), which lea to release of norepinephrine and subsequent increase in blood pressure, changes in heart rate, GI symptoms (e.g., nausea), sweating, anxiety, and goose-bumps below the level of the lesion. The increase in blood pressure can be life threatening, as it may lead to seizures or other cerebral manifestations.
Inquire about chronic painChronic pain is described in up to 65% of children with SCI [Jan: 2004]; inquire about pain at visits.
Heterotopic ossificationHeterotopic ossification involves abnormal deposition of bone into muscles and tendons, or into joints. It usually occurs within the first year after an SCI. It is uncommon in children, but frequency increases in adolescents. Symptoms of heterotopic ossification include erythema, pain, swelling over a joint, and restricted range of motion. Failure to detect and treat this process can lead to permanent loss of joint motion.
History & Examination
Pregnancy Or Perinatal History
Ask child's mother about pregnancy and perinatal history to identify any premorbid problems that might affect recovery.Current & Past Medical History
Review details of the child's treatment program and assess for any needed changes. The plan will likely address pulmonary problems, bladder program, bowel program, therapy schedule, dietary issues, pain management, bone/joint/muscle health (spasticity, contractures), and decubitus ulcers. Determine the level of injury of the spinal cord and major problems experienced during the hospitalization. Ask about:- Changes in breathing, mobility, bladder and bowel, skin, intercurrent illnesses
- Medications such as baclofen for spasticity or antibiotics for infection, and any side effects
- Neuropathic and other pain
- Difficulty adjusting, symptoms of depression
- The frequency of autonomic dysreflexia episodes and what triggers them for this particular patient. Autonomic dysreflexia is a complication of SCI where environmental stimuli below the level of the injury elicit a massive sympathetic discharge leading to possibly life-threatening hypertension.
Developmental & Educational Progress
Developmental/educational history should be explored to identify any premorbid problems, such as developmental delay or learning and attention problems that might interfere with recovery and/or require additional treatment.Social & Family Functioning
Identify family functioning problems and strengths including financial resources for dealing with medical expenses. Ask about layout of patient’s home (e.g., how many stairs are involved) and places they often visit.Physical Exam
Skin
Look for areas of redness, warmth, tenderness, and ulceration. If there is a history of autonomic dysreflexia, look for ingrown toenails (a potential pain trigger). Check for incipient decubitus ulcers.Chest
Listen for decreased breath sounds, wheezing, and breathing difficulties. Auscultate for pneumonia, access depth of breathing, check ventilator settings if applicable.Abdomen
Check for mobile, non-tender masses that may represent stool and distended bladder, particularly if autonomic dysreflexia is a problem.Extremities/Musculoskeletal
Assess mobility, strength, and coordination. Look for contractures and decreased range of motion of joints. Evaluate as appropriate for scoliosis and hip instability. See Musculoskeletal Exam for Common Orthopedic Complications of CP and SCI (MHP) ( 239 KB) for a form for assessing functional abilities, joint mobility, and muscle strength.
Testing
Laboratory Testing
Consider checking post-void bladder residual, UA, and culture if symptoms of infection or autonomic dysreflexia are occurring.Other Testing
In a non-traumatic setting, electromyography and/or nerve conduction studies might be used to either rule in/out nerve muscle involvement (i.e., to rule out/support possibility of cord injury).Screen for depression. See Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC) (
37 KB) for a 20-item self-report inventory.
Subspecialist Collaborations & Other Resources
Pediatric Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (see Services below for relevant providers)
Provides ongoing care to prevent complications, promote recovery, and assure that remaining function is optimized. Often works with the physiatrist who was involved during the acute inpatient stay to address a broad set of issues, including spasticity, sexuality, toileting, recreation, transportation, and psychological well-being.
Physical Therapy (see Services below for relevant providers)
Provides outpatient and home programming while broadly concentrating on gross motor movements and positioning. Follow-up appointments should be considered if status is worsening.
Occupational Therapy, Pediatric (see Services below for relevant providers)
Provides outpatient/home programming, broadly concentrating on activities of daily living. Follow-up appointments should be part of the discharge plan. Reassessment should be considered if status changes.
Pediatric Pulmonology (see Services below for relevant providers)
Assists with pulmonary toilet and/or ventilation management when the injury is in the cervical cord.
Pediatric Gastroenterology (see Services below for relevant providers)
Consider for evaluation and treatment of neurogenic bowel issues and associated GI complaints.
Pediatric Urology (see Services below for relevant providers)
Consider for evaluation and management of a neurogenic bladder and when making changes in the bladder program.
Treatment & Management
Overview
Treatment of the acute SCI occurs in the hospital and may include surgical stabilization of the vertebral column, high dose intravenous steroids, and airway management. After the acute phase, the primary risks to life are from associated complications, usually infection of the lungs or kidneys or septicemia from decubitus ulcers. The role of the medical home in monitoring for and responding to illness in these children is critical; however, the focus of management should be optimizing function and developmental/educational outcomes. Avoidance and management of complications are directly related to perceived quality of life in patients with SCI. [Vogel: 2002] Collaboration with subspecialists, particularly physiatry and a rehabilitation team, is key in achieving best outcomes.Pearls & Alerts
Depression after SCIChildren sustaining SCI have an increased risk for depression as children [Craig: 2008] and into adulthood. [Anderson: 2007] Depressive symptoms are associated with increased mortality after SCI. [Krause: 2008]
Chronic painChronic pain in children following SCI may respond to tri-cyclic antidepressants, SSRIs, and SNRIs - similar to other types of chronic pain, such as headaches. A referral to a pain clinic in refractory cases may be helpful (see all Pain Clinics services providers (6) in our database).
Systems
Musculoskeletal
Muscles contract slightly at rest (tone) and are dependent on inhibitory input from the brain, which is interrupted by SCI. Muscles innervated from below the level of the injury may develop high tone or spasticity. Spasticity can take weeks to months to develop after the spinal shock that follows injury.
Often the spasticity will hold a joint in a bent posture, which over time leads to permanent contractures due to tendon remodeling. In addition to pain, loss of function, and positioning problems with the involved joints, inner surfaces of contracted joints, such as the palm or armpit, can develop skin breakdown that is very difficult to treat.
During the initial hospital visit, physical therapy should have been arranged and caregivers taught to perform range of motion exercises to prevent or limit contracture development. Ask about range of motion exercises and physical therapy visits – if spasticity and decreasing range of motion are observed, consider referral to a physiatrist for botulinum toxin and/or phenol injections.
Oral medications, such as baclofen or valium, may be used to prevent spasticity, although their efficacy is limited by sleepiness at the doses often required. Baclofen is usually tolerated at higher doses if titrated gradually. [Montane: 2004]
An implantable baclofen pump may be used in children with severe spasticity (see Baclofen Pump Information (Medtronic)).
If contractures occur, surgery to release the tight tendon or to move it to another site to decrease its pull on the affected joint may be necessary. Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) has been used in the management of spasticity in selected children with cerebral palsy and may have a role in the management of SCI-induced spasticity. [Reynolds: 2014]
Scoliosis
Paralysis and spasticity may lead to scoliosis in children with spinal cord injuries, particularly if the injury occurred prior to puberty. [Dearolf: 1990] Scoliosis may take months to years to develop. Bracing may be used for positioning to facilitate seating and buy time before surgery.
Heterotopic Ossification
Symptoms of heterotopic ossification include erythema, pain, swelling over a joint, and restricted range of motion. Failure to detect and treat this process can lead to permanent loss of joint motion. Treatment is somewhat controversial and will probably require a visit to a rehabilitation specialist to consider pharmacologic treatment with etidronate or indomethacin, and enhancement of the physical therapy regimen. Because joints with decreased range of motion may present as spasticity or dystonia, a visit with a neurologist to rule out some other evolving neurological process may be necessary. Sometimes orthopedic surgery is required to release the joint contracture or remove the ossification after it has matured. See Heterotopic Ossification (eMedicine) for more information.
Subspecialist Collaborations & Other Resources
Pediatric Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (see Services below for relevant providers)
Helps manage spasticity and contractures, evaluates for scoliosis and heterotopic ossification, and coordinates physical and occupational therapies. A physiatrist generally is involved on a regular basis.
Pediatric Orthopedics (see Services below for relevant providers)
Patient mobility is highly correlated with patient independence. Fitting for appropriate orthoses to prevent contractures and improve function is vital. Use of mobility devices, adaptive equipment, and other modalities such as electrical stimulation units should be encouraged.
Pediatric Nephrology (see Services below for relevant providers)
Facilitates the restoration of muscle strength and flexibility; improves mobility and coordination; and, maintains body functions through exercise. Gait training may be taught to patients with difficulty walking and could include teaching use of assistive devices (e.g., walker, crutches, or cane).
Occupational Therapy, Pediatric (see Services below for relevant providers)
Encourages independence by helping the patient with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, food preparation, going to the toilet, and other activities of daily living.
Skin & Appearance
Genito-Urinary
Complete emptying, leaving minimal residual after voiding, is important to prevent reflux. Residual urine volumes should be checked periodically by the patient/caregiver. Good fluid intake is important to prevent complications of both bladder and bowel and should be stressed with patients and their families. Generally, a cystometrogram and a renal ultrasound should be done within the first few months after injury and every 1-2 years thereafter to measure bladder pressure and assess kidney size. Signs and symptoms of infection, including smelly, bloody, or discolored urine, abdominal pain, and increased temperatures or rigors, should be watched for. Suprapubic or chronic urethral catheterization or a continent urinary diversion [Chulamorkodt: 2004] may be initiated by the urologist in some situations.
For a helpful article on the evaluation and treatment of the neurogenic bladder in children, from many causes, see [Bauer: 2008]. The Portal's Constipation module contains information for managing constipation.
Subspecialist Collaborations & Other Resources
Pediatric Urology (see Services below for relevant providers)
Periodic visits with a urologist may be helpful for a child with bladder management problems.
Maturation/Sexual/Reproductive
Males: Sexual responsiveness in males will depend on the level and completeness of their injury. Almost all men with complete and/or higher levels of SCI will be able to have reflex erections, but may not have psychogenic erections. The erection may not be sustained enough or complete enough for sexual activity, however, a variety of treatments may be helpful. The patient should be referred to urology for more information. Though condom use may be difficult in men with impaired upper extremity function, their use should be advised for the same reasons as for other patients. Even though impaired ejaculation and/or decreased sperm motility may make biologic impregnation difficult, fertility specialists may be able to obtain semen for artificial insemination. See Sexuality and Sexual function After SCI (UAB) for patient information.
Females: Little information is available regarding the sexual function of females after SCI. If the level of injury is high or complete, psychogenic stimulation leading to vaginal lubrication may not occur, but local stimulation may lead to reflex lubrication, and water-based lubricants can be used to avoid vaginal dryness and irritation. About half of women with spinal cord injuries are able to have orgasms. The majority of women after SCI are able to get pregnant and have normal vaginal deliveries. Therefore, adolescent females with SCI should have the usual counseling regarding sexually transmitted disease and pregnancy. SCI-related care is more complicated during pregnancy, including the use of chronic medications, pressure sores, autonomic dysreflexia, and bladder and bowel care. See Pregnancy after SCI (UAB) and Sexuality and Sexual function After SCI (UAB) for patient information.
Cardiology
Although anti-hypertensive medications can be used when necessary, the best treatment consists of good bowel and bladder care and prompt removal of irritants. Education of patients and caregivers can help prevent episodes or allow for early recognition. [Hickey: 2004] Patients may want to visit Autonomic dysreflexia (SCIinfo) for more information; Autonomic Dysreflexia (UAB) (
277 KB) provides a 5-page pdf with information for patients and families about warning signs, symptoms, importance of blood pressure
measurements, triggers, and treatments. Swelling of the extremities and orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when rising) can also occur. Orthostatic hypotension can be helped by abdominal binders, increased salt intake, TED hose, Florinef, etc. There is a small risk that circulation changes may increase risk of developing blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis or a pulmonary embolus.
Other
Subspecialist Collaborations & Other Resources
Pain Clinics (see Services below for relevant providers)
Referral may be helpful for acute or chronic pain management.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when my child can start cathing him or herself?
The ability to self-catheterize depends on the type of SCI, the degree of physical impairment, and the developmental level of the child. A rule of thumb is that a child with the approximate level of a 5 year old can learn independent cathing techniques. An occupational therapist can help you decide whether your child is ready by testing fine motor abilities and the child's understanding and ability to follow directions. If the child seems ready, he or she will be shown how to self-cath and then demonstrate their abilities. Sometimes the process takes months to master but when possible, increases the independence of the child.
What should I tell my child with an SCI when she asks if she can have a child?
Generally, women who have had SCIs are able to become pregnant and have children, although they will usually require additional medical surveillance during the process. You can reassure her however, and then provide details that are developmentally appropriate for your child if necessary.
My child had an SCI two years ago and is doing well without any major problems. Does he still have a shortened life expectancy?
Life expectancy of children following SCI depends on the level of injury and associated conditions. For instance, children who have had cervical injuries and who are ventilator dependent are more likely to develop respiratory infections such as pneumonia, which may lead to a shortened life expectancy. Untreated urinary tract infections and skin ulcers can also lead to a shortened life expectancy. If your child does not have these complications, life expectancy should be approximately normal, although there is no scientific data in this regard. You and your child, as he/she gets older and it is developmentally appropriate to involve him/her in self-care, should monitor for possible complications.
Issues Related to Spinal Cord Injury
Funding & Access to Care
Writing Letters of Medical NecessityMobility/Function/ADLs/Adaptive
Adaptive SeatingInpatient Rehabilitation Criteria and Treatment
Mobility
Resources
Information for Clinicians
Spinal Cord Injury Information Network (UAB-SCIMS)
A wealth of information about SCI for health care professionals, including patient education materials; University of Alabama
at Birmingham Spinal Cord Injury Model System.
SCI-INFO-PAGES
A "best of the web" site for SCI health and caregiver information. Includes information about spinal cord injury, rehabilitation
sites, clinical trials, related problems, and resources for patients with SCI and their caregivers; created by an individual
with a spinal cord injury.
Helpful Articles
PubMed search for pediatric spinal cord injuries (articles published within the last 5 years).
Bauer SB.
Neurogenic bladder: etiology and assessment.
Pediatr Nephrol.
2008;23(4):541-51.
PubMed abstract / Full Text
Buldini B, Amigoni A, Faggin R, Laverda AM.
Spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormalities.
Eur J Pediatr.
2006;165(2):108-11.
PubMed abstract / Full Text
This article describes SCIWORA and discusses its incidence and importance in the pediatric spinal cord injury population.
Klaas SJ, Kelly EH, Anderson CJ, Vogel LC.
Depression and anxiety in adolescents with pediatric-onset spinal cord injury.
Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil.
2014;20(1):13-22.
PubMed abstract / Full Text
Parent S, Mac-Thiong JM, Roy-Beaudry M, Sosa JF, Labelle H.
Spinal cord injury in the pediatric population: a systematic review of the literature.
J Neurotrauma.
2011;28(8):1515-24.
PubMed abstract / Full Text
Sayama C, Chen T, Trost G, Jea A.
A review of pediatric lumbar spine trauma.
Neurosurg Focus.
2014;37(1):E6.
PubMed abstract / Full Text
Clinical Tools
Assessment Tools/Scales
Medical Home Questionnaire for SCI (MHP) ( 34 KB)
Historical questions and physical exam items that may be helpful in assessing patients with SCI; Medical Home Portal.
International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury Worksheet (ASIA) ( 637 KB)
Two-page assessment sheet; American Spinal Injury Association.
Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC) ( 37 KB)
Depression screening tool, with 20 questions, which takes about 10 minutes to complete; Center for Epidemiological Studies.
No fee required.
Clinical Checklists & Visit Tools
Musculoskeletal Exam for Common Orthopedic Complications of CP and SCI (MHP) ( 239 KB)
A concise, easy-to-use tool to document the limitations of a child's musculoskeletal abilities and exam; Medical Home Portal.
Patient Education & Instructions
Autonomic Dysreflexia (UAB) ( 277 KB)
A 5-page pdf with information for patients and families about warning signs, symptoms, importance of blood pressure measurements,
triggers, and treatments; University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Information & Support for Families
Family Diagnosis Page
Information on the Web
Spinal Cord Injuries (MedlinePlus)
Basic information and links to additional reliable sources; National Library of Medicine.
American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA)
Promotes standards of excellence, educates professionals and families, and facilitates research. Includes conference announcements,
publications, and research information.
Reeve Foundation
Dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research; provides grants, information, advocacy, and referral
service.
EP Magazine (Exceptional Parent)
A monthly publication that provides practical advice, emotional support, and up-to-date educational information for people
with disabilities.
Support National & Local
United Spinal Cord Association (NSCIA)
Information about improving the quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries; facts to help influence medical
improvements, research, and public policy; links to state resources, articles, newsletters, and links to related organizations.
Studies/Registries
Spinal Cord Injuries Clinical Trials (CenterWatch)
Lists trials by state.
Services for Patients & Families
Occupational Therapy, Pediatric
See all Occupational Therapy, Pediatric services providers (27) in our database.
Pediatric Gastroenterology
See all Pediatric Gastroenterology services providers (2) in our database.
Pediatric Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
See all Pediatric Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation services providers (1) in our database.
Recreational Activities/Sports
See all Recreational Activities/Sports services providers (31) in our database.
Social & Recreational Opportunities
We currently have no Social & Recreational Opportunities service providers listed; search our Services database for related services.
For other services related to this condition, browse our Services categories or search our database.
Authors
| Author: | Teresa Such-Neibar, DO - 12/2008 |
| Reviewing Authors: | Meghan Candee, MD - 10/2014 Lynne M. Kerr, MD, PhD - 12/2008 |
| Content Last Updated: | 12/2014 |
Bibliography
American Spinal Injury Association.
Pediatric Committee - Mission and Goals.
(2014)
http://www.asia-spinalinjury.org/pediatrics/pediatric_goals.php. Accessed on Dec. 2014.
Anderson CJ, Vogel LC, Chlan KM, Betz RR, McDonald CM.
Depression in adults who sustained spinal cord injuries as children or adolescents.
J Spinal Cord Med.
2007;30 Suppl 1:S76-82.
PubMed abstract / Full Text
Bauer SB.
Neurogenic bladder: etiology and assessment.
Pediatr Nephrol.
2008;23(4):541-51.
PubMed abstract / Full Text
Buldini B, Amigoni A, Faggin R, Laverda AM.
Spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormalities.
Eur J Pediatr.
2006;165(2):108-11.
PubMed abstract / Full Text
This article describes SCIWORA and discusses its incidence and importance in the pediatric spinal cord injury population.
Calhoun CL, Schottler J, Vogel LC.
Recommendations for mobility in children with spinal cord injury.
Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil.
2013;19(2):142-51.
PubMed abstract / Full Text
Chulamorkodt NN, Estrada CR, Chaviano AH.
Continent urinary diversion: 10-year experience of Shriners Hospitals for Children in Chicago.
J Spinal Cord Med.
2004;27 Suppl 1:S84-7.
PubMed abstract
Craig A, Tran Y, Middleton J.
Psychological morbidity and spinal cord injury: a systematic review.
Spinal Cord.
2008.
PubMed abstract / Full Text
Cree BA.
Acute inflammatory myelopathies.
Handb Clin Neurol.
2014;122:613-67.
PubMed abstract
Dearolf WW 3rd, Betz RR, Vogel LC, Levin J, Clancy M, Steel HH.
Scoliosis in pediatric spinal cord-injured patients.
J Pediatr Orthop.
1990;10(2):214-8.
PubMed abstract
Eric R. Trumble, MD.
Pediatric Spine and Spinal Cord Injuries.
Neurosurgeons for Kids; (2006)
http://www.neurosurgeons4kids.com/services-and-specialties/presentatio.... Accessed on August 2014.
Hickey KJ, Vogel LC, Willis KM, Anderson CJ.
Prevalence and etiology of autonomic dysreflexia in children with spinal cord injuries.
J Spinal Cord Med.
2004;27 Suppl 1:S54-60.
PubMed abstract
Jan FK, Wilson PE.
A survey of chronic pain in the pediatric spinal cord injury population.
J Spinal Cord Med.
2004;27 Suppl 1:S50-3.
PubMed abstract
Klaas SJ, Kelly EH, Anderson CJ, Vogel LC.
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