Clinical assessment after acute cervical spinal cord injury.

Abstract

NEUROLOGICAL EXAMINATION: There is insufficient evidence to support neurological examination standards. There is insufficient evidence to support neurological examination guidelines. The American Spinal Injury Association international standards for neurological and functional classification of spinal cord injury are recommended as the preferred neurological examination tool for clinicians involved in the assessment and care of patients with acute spinal cord injuries. FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME ASSESSMENT: There is insufficient evidence to support functional outcome assessment standards. The Functional Independence Measure is recommended as the functional outcome assessment tool for clinicians involved in the assessment and care of patients with acute spinal cord injuries. The modified Barthel index is recommended as a functional outcome assessment tool for clinicians involved in the assessment and care of patients with acute spinal cord injuries.