BRAIN AND SPINAL CORD INJURIES
Abstract
Brain and spinal cord injuries are common medical emergencies. Brain injuries associated with medical conditions are the third leading cause of death in the United States, and they are the leading cause of disability. If there is an injury to the brain or the spinal cord, this process is disrupted. This disruption can lead to devastating consequences on bodily functions. Trauma or a medical condition may cause injury to the brain or spinal cord. The most common type of brain injury is a stroke, which is also a leading cause of disability and death in the United States. Treatment and care of a patient with a brain or spinal cord injury depends on the cause of the injury, and requires attention to the patient’s nutrition, hydration, and the prevention of complications related to skin care and aspiration.
Learning Objectives:
1. Discuss the general functions of the brain and spinal cord.
2. Identify the most common causes of brain and spinal cord injuries.
3. Discuss a Certified Nursing Assistant’s role in caring for a person with a brain or spinal cord injury.
Introduction
The brain, the spinal cord and the peripheral nerves comprise the nervous system. The nervous system controls a person’s conscious and unconscious behavior and bodily functions. If there is an injury to the brain or the spinal cord, this process is disrupted and can lead to devastating consequences on bodily functions. Trauma or a medical condition may cause injury to the brain or spinal cord. Treatment and care of a patient with a brain or spinal cord injury depends on the cause of the injury. A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) caring for a patient with a brain or spinal cord injury will generally focus on aspiration prevention, adequate nutrition and good hydration, observation for complications, and skin care.
