[18] Spinal Cord Compression Flashcards
What is spinal cord compression?
A medical emergency where the there is compression or displacement of the arterial, venous and CSF spaces, as well as the cord itself
What are the possible causes of spinal cord compression?
- Trauma
- Tumours
- Irradiation
- Prolapsed intervertebral disc
- Epidural or subdural haematoma
- Inflammatory disease
- Spinal infections
- Cervical spondylitic myelopathy
What types of traumatic incident may cause spinal cord compression?
- Car accidents
- Falls
- Sports injuries
How do traumatic injuries lead to spinal cord compression?
Vertebral fracture or facet joint dislocation
What types of tumours can cause spinal cord compression?
Benign or malignant
What malignancies can cause spinal cord compression?
- Primary bone tumours
- Metastatic tumours
- Lymphomas
- Multiple myeloma
- Neurofibromata
What primary cancers most commonly metastasise to bone?
- Breast
- Prostate
- Lung
When is irradiation (leading to spinal cord compression) often encountered?
Radiotherapy
Which intervertebral discs most commonly prolapse to cause spinal cord compression?
L4-L5 or L5-S1
What inflammatory disease can especially cause spinal cord compression?
Rheumatoid arthritis
What are the subtypes of infective spinal cord compression?
Acute and chronic
What is the usual type of causative organism in acute infective spinal cord compression?
Bacteria
What are the usual types of causative organism in chronic infective spinal cord compression?
TB or fungal
What is cervical spondylitic myelopathy?
An aging process leading to narrowing of the spinal canal due to osteophytes, herniated discs and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy
What are the risk factors for spinal cord compression?
- Age 16-30
- Male
- Osteoporosis
- Risk of trauma
Why is osteoporosis a risk factor for spinal cord compression?
It is associated with vertebral column compression fractures
What type of trauma related risk factors increase the risk of spinal cord compression?
- High risk occupation
- High-risk recreational activities
Over what period do the symptoms of spinal cord compression develop?
Quickly or slowly depending on the cause
What are the common symptoms of spinal cord compression?
- Pain and stiffness in neck, back or lower back
- Burning pain that spreads to the arms, buttocks or down into the legs (sciatica)
- Numbness, cramping or weakness in arms, hands or legs
- Loss of foot sensation
- ‘Foot drop’
What can foot drop lead to?
Limp (high stepping gait)
In addition to the common symptoms of spinal cord compression, what else can develop over time?
Motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction
What does the clinical features of spinal cord compression depend on?
Extent, rate, and site of the spinal cord compression development
What are the red flags suggesting spinal cord compression?
- Insidious progression
- Neurological symptoms
- Neurological signs
What neurological symptoms are red flags for spinal cord compression?
- Gait disturbance
- Clumsy or weak hands
- Loss of sexual, bladder, or bowel function