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Emergency Neurological Life Support: Traumatic Spine Injury

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Abstract

Traumatic spine injuries (TSIs) carry significantly high risks of morbidity, mortality, and exorbitant health care costs from associated medical needs following injury. For these reasons, TSI was chosen as an ENLS protocol. This article offers a comprehensive review on the management of spinal column injuries using the best available evidence. Though the review focuses primarily on cervical spinal column injuries, thoracolumbar injuries are briefly discussed as well. The initial emergency department (ED) clinical evaluation of possible spinal fractures and cord injuries, along with the definitive early management of confirmed injuries, are also covered.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Maryland School of Medicine, R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Deborah M. Stein

  2. Departments of Emergency Medicine and Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA

    William A. Knight IV

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  1. Deborah M. Stein
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  2. William A. Knight IV
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Correspondence to Deborah M. Stein.

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Stein, D.M., Knight, W.A. Emergency Neurological Life Support: Traumatic Spine Injury. Neurocrit Care 27 (Suppl 1), 170–180 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12028-017-0462-z

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