Browse categories and answer follow-up questions to refine your symptom profile.
Immediate priorities
High-risk trauma context
Manual in-line stabilization
Rigid collar with neutral alignment
If airway intervention, in-line stabilization maintained
Airway risk
If apnea or inadequate ventilation, RSI with in-line stabilization
If difficult airway anticipated, early anesthesia or ENT support
Breathing threats
If hypoxia or respiratory fatigue with high cervical injury, early ventilation strategy
If suspected diaphragmatic weakness, monitor for rapid decompensation
Circulation threats
If hypotension with bradycardia, neurogenic shock pattern
If hypotension with tachycardia, hemorrhagic shock until proven otherwise
Neurologic catastrophe triggers
If progressive weakness or ascending sensory level, emergent spine consultation
If priapism, consider neurogenic shock or high spinal cord injury
Monitoring and targets
Physiologic targets
Oxygen saturation 94% to 98%
If chronic hypercapnia risk, individualized targets
Systolic blood pressure 100 to 110 mmHg minimum in trauma
If suspected spinal cord injury, MAP 85 to 90 mmHg target for 5 to 7 days in many spine protocols Class IIa
Temperature normothermia
If hypothermia, coagulopathy risk
Immobilization and movement
Spine motion restriction
Logroll only when necessary with team leader
3 to 4 person technique
Avoid traction unless specialist-directed
If neurologic deterioration during positioning, stop and return to neutral
Consultation and activation
Early specialist activation
Neurosurgery or orthopedic spine
Unstable fracture pattern
Neurologic deficit
Trauma team activation
High-energy mechanism
Multisystem injury concern
Interventional radiology or vascular surgery
Suspected blunt cerebrovascular injury
SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.