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A patient with a complete cervical cord injury complains of a throbbing headache. What are we concerned about?

A) Increased intracranial pressure
B) Autonomic dysreflexia
C) Concussion
D) Meningitis

User Jonas W
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

In the case of a cervical cord injury patient with a throbbing headache, the immediate concern is Autonomic Dysreflexia, which is a sudden severe increase in blood pressure due to spinal cord injury at or above T6, and requires prompt medical attention.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a patient with a complete cervical cord injury is experiencing a throbbing headache, we would be particularly concerned about Autonomic Dysreflexia (B). This condition is a potential emergency that can occur in individuals with spinal cord injuries at T6 or above. It is characterized by a sudden and severe rise in blood pressure that can lead to a stroke if not promptly treated. Symptoms may include a pounding headache, sweating above the level of injury, skin blotchiness, nasal congestion, and a slow pulse.

Meningitis, while serious, is not likely to cause acute symptoms in a patient with a chronic spinal cord injury unless a new infection is present. Increased intracranial pressure and concussion are less likely to be acute concerns in this scenario without new trauma or neurosurgical history. A cervical cord injury does not directly cause these conditions, they result from other pathophysiological processes.

User Mitch Cohen
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