A Cognitive and Communication Blind Spot Contributes to Permanent Paralysis Garth Utter, MD | October 30, 2024

https://psnet.ahrq.gov/web-mm/cognitive-and-communication-blind-spot-contributes-permanent-paralysis A Cognitive and Communication Blind Spot Contributes to Permanent Paralysis In this WebM&M Spotlight Case with CE/MOC, a 38-year-old man sustained multiple injuries in a motorcycle crash, including head trauma, chest injuries, and spinal fractures. Attempts to intubate him to manage his respiratory distress were unsuccessful and he underwent emergency cricothyroidotomy. Despite initial neurological evaluations indicating normal extremity movements, he developed progressive paralysis of his lower extremities over the hospital course. A delayed MRI revealed a significant epidural hematoma compressing his spinal cord from C3 to C7, prompting emergency surgery. Despite decompression, he suffered permanent paralysis. The commentary highlights the cognitive pitfalls associated with managing and processing large volumes of clinical information and the importance of effective communication and active engagement among all clinical team members.