ATLS Spine and Spinal Cord Trauma 2

Question 1

A diving accident patient has bilateral motor loss and pain/temperature loss but preserved proprioception and light touch. Which syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Anterior cord syndrome

Answer

Brown-Sequard syndrome

Answer

Central cord syndrome

Answer

Posterior cord syndrome

Question 2

An elderly patient falls and develops upper extremity weakness greater than lower. Most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Central cord syndrome

Answer

Anterior cord syndrome

Answer

Cauda equina syndrome

Answer

Brown-Sequard syndrome

Question 3

According to ATLS, what is the preferred method for log-rolling a patient with suspected spinal injury?

Accepted Answer

Minimum four-person team with one maintaining cervical stabilization

Answer

Two-person roll

Answer

Single-person roll with collar

Answer

Mechanical lift

Question 4

A C5 SCI patient has hypotension with HR 52 and warm extremities. After fluids, BP remains low. Best pharmacologic intervention?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine or phenylephrine infusion

Answer

Epinephrine infusion

Answer

Dopamine bolus only

Answer

Atropine alone

Question 5

Which imaging study is the gold standard for evaluating spinal cord injury and ligamentous disruption?

Accepted Answer

MRI

Answer

Plain radiographs

Answer

CT scan

Answer

Flexion-extension radiographs

Question 6

A patient has an L1 burst fracture with 60% canal compromise but intact neurological function. What determines need for surgery?

Accepted Answer

Kyphosis degree and posterior ligamentous complex integrity

Answer

Canal compromise alone mandates surgery

Answer

All burst fractures require surgery

Answer

Only neurological deficit warrants surgery