Citation

Kanwar R, Delasobera BE, Hudson K, Frohna W. Emerg. Med. Clin. North Am. 2015; 33(2): 241-282.

Affiliation

Department of Emergency Medicine, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, MedStar Georgetown University/Washington Hospital Center Emergency Medicine Residency, 110 Irving Street Northwest, NA-1177, Washington, DC 20010, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.emc.2014.12.002

PMID

25892721

Abstract

Most spinal cord injuries involve the cervical spine, highlighting the importance of recognition and proper management by emergency physicians. Initial cervical spine injury management should follow the ABCDE (airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure) procedure detailed by Advanced Trauma Life Support. NEXUS (National Emergency X-Radiography Utilization Study) criteria and Canadian C-spine Rule are clinical decision-making tools providing guidelines of when to obtain imaging. Computed tomography scans are the preferred initial imaging modality. Consider administering intravenous methylprednisolone after discussion with the neurosurgical consultant in patients who present with spinal cord injuries within 8 hours.

Language: en