The spinal cord runs from the stem or bottom of the brain all the way down the spine. It is responsible for sending all the electrical messages through the nerves to the body, supporting its functions. When the spinal cord is interrupted by a pinch, crush, or severance these messages are unable to be sent.

This course looks at the anatomy of the spine and nervous system and what happens when the messages between the brain and body are interrupted. It also looks at autonomic dysreflexia and postural hypotension, two blood pressure disorders that are commonly found in spinal cord injuries (SCI).

Goals

The goal of this course is to equip staff with all of the information relevant to provide a high-quality service to people living with spinal cord injuries. This includes an understanding of the different type of injuries and the versatility of the effects between individuals.

Learning Outcomes

• Understanding of the spine

• Basic understanding of the central nervous system

• Understand how SCI’s occur and its prevalence in the community

• Understand the functions of the body effected by SCI

• Understand the impacts of traumatic injuries on individual and families

• Demonstrate the ability to recognise the start of pressure injuries

• Understand the care needs of people with SCI