Prognosis in Tetraplegia

Abstract. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the paralysis of some respiratory muscles, due to a spinal cord lesion, on the lung volumes and the mechanics of breathing, specially on the maximal expiratory flows. Fifty-two tetraplegics have been studied, divided in two groups-according to the level of the lesion to investi gate if there is any difference in the behaviour of both groups.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lung volumes and mechanics of breathing in tetraplegics

Forner

1980

“…The respiratory function of the tetraplegic is rarely a problem when the patient is well, because a vital capacity of 2000 ml is adequate for the majority of the tasks of the physically limited tetraplegic, but it is a matter of great overall concern because we are now in a period of history when the greatest single cause of both death and long-term morbidity in the complete tetraplegic is respiratory infection (Silver et at., 1968). It is in the context of the ability of the patient to handle a respiratory infection that the vital capacity becomes of critical importance.…”

Section: Respiratory Rehabilitationmentioning

confidence: 99%

The use of operant conditioning techniques in the respiratory rehabilitation of the tetraplegic

Cheshire

Flack

1978

Abstract. This paper discusses the development of a pilot project in respiratory rehabili tation as part of the total rehabilitation of the tetraplegic and high paraplegic. The prin ciples of neuromuscular exercise and of behaviouristic psychology introduce the subject of operant learning in the rehabilitation setting. Incentive spirometry is described as the basic element in the development of a respiratory rehabilitation programme. The pre liminary results are analysed and a recommendation made that such a programme materially increases the respiratory function of the tetraplegic, and, not least, assists in his ability to combat intercurrent respiratory infection.

“…I initiated various studies to investigate the respiratory problems. 2 EMG studies have demonstrated in the stage of spinal shock,¯accid paralysis of the intercostal muscles. 3 At that stage it may be possible, though extremely di cult, to monitor by cutaneous electrodes, the function of the diaphragm.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

A review of the respiratory management of a patient with high level tetraplegia

Silver¹

1998

This clinical case is of great interest since respiratory failure is the major acute cause of death in traumatic tetraplegic patients, and the study of such patients has added to our knowledge of the physiology and the mechanics of breathing.We are not given enough information about this 24 year old man:1. Did he have a normal chest X-ray on admission? 2. What were his blood oxygen and CO2 levels on admission? 3. What was his respiratory rate?