Neurological Health Assessment

[oceanblue52]

Hello everyone, I am wondering if anybody can give me some information regarding neurological injuries and health assessment. My HA textbook does not really go into detail with neuro-pathology, and my professor has not yet responded to my email (I missed lecture because of the flooding in CO; worst lecture ever to miss!).

A little background:We are talking about the dorsal column vs. spinothalamic column, as well as the anterior horns and corticospinal tract. My professor is asking us to assess lesions and damage to these areas, and how motor signs/symptoms would be affected by damage to one side or the other.

I understand the functions of each of these areas (e.g. the spinothalamic tract r/t pain and temp, which would be dysfunctional in injury), but I'm less sure how this relates the corresponding sides. If a patient has a lesion on the left side, for example, would the sensation only occur on the right side? I know brain connections are such that sensations are reversed (e.g. sensory info on the right side of the body is processed by the left side of the brain and vice versa). Does the same go for the regions in the spinal cord?

I hope it is understood that I am not just looking for easy answers here, but an explanation or even a reference website would be greatly appreciated. I have some background in Neuroscience/Psychology, but just cannot seem to wrap my head around neurological assessment.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

It is difficult to post an entire lecture on this.....my best advice would be to ask another student for their notes and talk to you instructor...I am sure they would understand.

A Google search gave multiple results.....dorsal column vs. spinothalamic column, as well as the anterior horns and corticospinal tract.

and.....

http://faculty.stcc.edu/AandP/AP/AP1pages/nervssys/unit12/spinal.htm

http://www.interactive-biology.com/4002/introduction-to-the-spinothalamic-tract/

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

In part this is not a neurological question per se, but an anatomy question. Can you pull out your anatomy text and look to see where the tracts cross over? Then you can see whether lesions will give you effects on the ipsilateral (same) or contralateral (opposite) side, and you will have your answer.

Recommended study aid for this sort of thing: The Anatomy Coloring Book, a real book and a great way to get solid on this sort of thing. Amazon, cheap.