Brain Vs. Spinal Cord Case Study

Brain vs. Spinal Cord Case Study

1. Based upon the findings presented, which doctor made the correct initial prediction?

Based on the findings presented, Dr. Green made the correct diagnosis in predicting that this gentleman had a spinal cord injury.

2. Based upon previous knowledge of brain function, what results from the testing were consistent with a brain injury?

The only result from the testing consistent with a brain injury was the abnormal pupil response of the right eye (constriction) (Traumatic brain injury, 2015). The physical effects that could have pointed to a brain injury were the laceration to the right side of the gentleman’s head and the amount of blood loss. The complaints from the patient that may have insisted a brain injury included a severe headache, dizziness, and nausea (Traumatic brain injury, 2015).

3. Based upon previous knowledge of spinal cord function, what results from the testing were consistent with a spinal cord injury?

The results from the testing consistent with a spinal cord injury included the decreased sensation to touch, pressure, and vibration in the right upper and lower extremities; decreased temperature discernment (cold vs.

warm) in the left upper and lower extremities; decreased strength and movement of the right upper and lower extremities and of the left abdominal muscles; lack of triceps and biceps reflexes in the right upper extremity; atypical response of patellar, Achilles (hyper) reflexes in the right lower extremity; abnormal cremasteric reflex in the right groin; fracture in cervical vertebrae #7; and significant swelling in the C7-T12 region of the spinal canal (Signs and symptoms, n.d.). The objective complaint of a severe headache could also be consistent with a spinal cord injury (Headache, nausea, and vomiting,

2015).

4. Based upon previous knowledge of CNS function, what results could be consistent with both types of injury?

Based upon previous knowledge of CNS function, none of the actual diagnostic tests would be consistent of both a brain injury and a spinal cord injury. The objective complaints of the severe headache; nausea; and dizziness, however, would be consistent with both types of injuries (Headache, nausea and vomiting, 2015).

5. Assuming the incorrect diagnosis true, predict how the findings would be different.

For the findings to be consistent with a brain injury, Mike would have had trouble speaking; difficulty hearing; difficulty concentrating; an alteration in his sense of taste and smell; and amnesia (McConnell, 2014).

References

Headache, nausea and vomiting – What is the cause? (2015). Retrieved
September 18, 2015, from http://www.healthhype.com/headache-nausea-and-vomiting-what-is-the-cause.html

Make the connection. (n.d.). Retrieved September 18, 2015, from
http://maketheconnection.net/conditions/traumatic-brain-injury?gclid=CLHJr8-WhrwCFa6DQgodBEcANA

McConnell, C. (2014). Brain vs. spinal cord [Prezi slides]. Retrieved September 18, 2015, from
https://prezi.com/k50hq5feg3iw/brain-vs-spinal-cord/

Signs and symptoms - Genesis health system. (n.d.). Retrieved September 18, 2015 from
http://www.genesishealth.com/care-treatment/phys_med/spinal/symptoms/

Traumatic brain injury – Wikipedia. (2015, August 2). Retrieved
September 18, 2015, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traumatic_brain_injury