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Assessment of Spinal Cord Injury
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Original Editor - Naomi O'Reilly
Top Contributors- Naomi O'Reilly  
Contents
1Introduction
2Database
2.1Presenting Condition
2.1.1Diagnosis
2.2History of Presenting Condition
2.2.1Date of Spinal Cord Injury
2.2.2Cause of Spinal Cord Injury
2.2.3Progression of the Condition
2.2.4Results of Specific Investigations
2.2.5Medical Management
2.2.6Medical Observations
2.2.7Other Management
2.2.8Previous Therapy
2.2.9Has the individual previously been involved in Physiotherapy? 2.3Surgical History and Precautions
2.4Past Medical History and Medications
2.4.1Co-morbidities
2.4.2Previous Neurological Conditions
2.4.3Special Equipment
2.4.4Technology Dependency
2.4.5Previous Surgery
2.4.6Risk Factors
2.4.7Medication History
3Subjective Assessment
3.1Social History
3.2Patient Goals and Expectations
4Objective Assessment
4.1Assessment of Impairments
4.1.1Muscle Strength
4.1.2Sensation
4.1.3Muscle Tone
4.1.3.1Decreased Tone
4.1.3.2Increased Tone
4.1.4Reflexes
4.1.4.1Deep Tendon Reflexes
4.1.4.2Plantar Reflex (Babinski's Sign)
4.1.4.3Hoffmanns Reflex (Finger Flexor Test)
4.1.5Joint Range of Movement
4.1.6Balance [12]
4.1.7Respiratory Function
4.1.8Cardiovascular Fitness
4.1.9Pain
4.2Assessment of Activity
4.2.1General Mobility (including Bed Mobility and Transfers)
4.2.2Wheelchair Mobility
4.2.3Gait
4.2.4Upper Limb and Hand Function
4.3Assessment of Participation
4.3.1Family
4.3.2Education
4.3.3Work
4.3.4Leisure
4.4Environmental Factors
5Resources
6References
Introduction[edit| edit source]
Assessment in neurological physiotherapy is a process of collecting information about disordered movement patterns, underlying impairments, activity restrictions, and societal participation for the purpose of intervention planning and to help the therapist determine the best intervention. [1][2]Assessment is arguably the most important step in the rehabilitation process, as our clinical reasoning is based on the information it provides and provides the basis for our decision making throughout the rehabilitation process. Treatment can only be as good as the assessment on which it was based, so in order for us to progress and manage our treatment plan and ensure we are identifying our patients' problems, assessment should be an ongoing and continuous, and should allow us to develop individualised, patient-centred goals and ultimately a tailor-made treatment plan for the individual. International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Model (ICF)
We can use the framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)to define the role and purpose of physiotherapy for individuals with spinal cord injury. The ICF was introduced by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2011 and is a revised version of the International Classification of Impairment, Disability and Handicap. The ICF defines components of health from the perspective of the body, the individual and society. One of its primary purposes is to provide a unified and standard language for those working in the area disability, which enhances clarity of communication and understanding of team roles with a spinal cord injury multidisciplinary team and challenges clinicians to think holistically. [ 3][4]
The assessment of an individual with a spinal cord injury is an important initial step in physiotherapy management.