Question

Tom was recently diagnosed with a tumor in the posterior aspect of his spinal cord at the level of C6 that has resulted in a C5 incomplete spinal cord injury with changes in sensation. Based on the location of the tumor: 1. What ascending spinal tract(s) have been affected? 2. What types of sensation have been affected and what types remained intact? (i.e. temperature, pain, proprioception, etc.) 3. Where on Tom’s body will the sensory deficits be present? Use specific dermatomes. After Tom undergoes surgery to remove the tumor, he presents to inpatient rehabilitation to begin therapy. 1. Given the sensory changes you discussed above, what activities would be difficult for Tom to perform? (i.e. ADLs, functional mobility…) 2. If you were Tom’s occupational therapist, what interventions would you recommend to help with his recovery

Answer 1