Assessment and Management of Pediatric Trauma
Module 7: Complications of Pediatric Multi-Organ Trauma and Other Injuries (Drowning, Burns)
of 38

Spinal Cord Injuries

  • Pediatric spinal cord injuries are difficult to diagnose, particularly in the presence of multiple injuries or abnormal level of consciousness (e.g., head injury)
  • Neurologic dysfunction (flaccid paralysis, sensory loss) may be detectable below the level of injury in conscious children
  • Neurogenic shock may be present - hypotension, bradycardia, hypothermia due to transection of sympathetic (vasomotor) fibers in the spinal cord

Spinal

Atlanto-occipital dislocation
and severe spinal cord injury
in a child with no bony fractures seen

 

Module 7: Complications of Pediatric Multi-Organ Trauma and Other Injuries (Drowning, Burns)