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Acute Management of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

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Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a rare but very serious presentation with the potential to cause significant, lifelong disability. There are currently about 20,800 people in Australia living with an SCI, with an estimated 380 new injuries occurring in 2021. In cases of suspected SCI, immediate, appropriate management is crucial in preventing further trauma and maintaining the physiological stability of the patient and preventing further trauma.

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What is this article about?

A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when the spinal cord is damaged via compression (axial loading), bruising, hyperflexion, hyperextension, rotation or penetration, causing loss of feeling or functional mobility. Patients with an SCI may experience a complete or partial loss of sensory and/or motor function in their arms, legs and/or body. The extent of symptoms depends on the severity of the injury and the area of the spinal cord that was damaged.

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Ausmed
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Ausmed’s editorial team is committed to providing high-quality, well-researched and reputable education to our users, free of any commercial bias or conflict of interest. All education produced by Ausmed is developed in consultation with healthcare professionals and undergoes a rigorous review process to ensure the relevancy of all healthcare information and updates to changes in practice. If you have identified an issue with the education offered by Ausmed or wish to submit feedback to Ausmed's editorial team, please email ausmed@ausmed.com.au with your concerns.
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Jane Mateer
Jane Mateer is a registered nurse with more than 30 years of experience in prehospital, metropolitan and military settings. Her qualifications include a master in public health and a graduate diploma in advanced practice (nurse practitioner), as well as certificates in emergency nursing and education. A specialist in emergency, paediatric and trauma care, Jane currently works as a clinical nurse educator in paediatric care, having previously worked as a clinical nurse consultant, educator, manager and university lecturer. She is currently completing a PhD into the experiences of Australian Army Nursing Officers in armed conflict.
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What do others think?

444 reviews by Ausmed Learners
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Kacey Middleton
19 Oct 2023
To the point
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Anastasia Austin
24 May 2022
Very informative
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Kroy Day
04 Oct 2022
Clear and easy to follow
Portrait of Tara Kearns-gourlay
Tara Kearns-gourlay
16 Oct 2022
Paramedic
really well executed. good read.
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Dan Alminaza
24 May 2022
Very informative and easy to understand.
AS
Aarati Shrestha
27 May 2022
Good information, relevant
MR
Megan Rand
28 May 2022
Registered Nurse
Good
AS
Ayanthi Senadheera
15 Jun 2022
Very informative
KS
Kelly Shaw
04 Aug 2023
Paramedic
Easy to follow
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Alissa Mefragata
28 May 2022
Good
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