Diseases of the Spinal cord

Question 1

What is spondylosis?

Answer 1

It is arthritis caused by wear and tear to the spine. The vertebral discs degenerate, the vertebral bones can grow spurs.
It can cause pain and damage the nerves.

Question 2

What are symptoms and treatment of spondylosis?

Answer 2

Pain or stiffness in the affects area of the spine.
(if cervical can sometimes get headaches starting at the back of the neck).

Treatment is dependant upon severity:
Paracetamol or ibuprofen
Continue or increase exercise (try to improve posture)
Physio
Possibly muscle relaxants

Question 3

What is osteomyelitis?

Answer 3

Infection in bones (usually long bones but can affect vertebra)
Fever
Nausea
Pain in infected area

Question 4

What are the treatments for osteomyelitis?

Answer 4

Antibiotics
Surgery to scrap out infection.
Drainage

Question 5

What is cauda equina syndrome?

Answer 5

The nerves below the end of the spinal cord (L2) are compressed.

Question 6

What is the triad of symtoms seen in cauda equina syndrome?

Answer 6

Saddle anesthesia
Urinary incontinence
Weakness in both legs.

Question 7

What are the treatments for cauda equina syndrome?

Answer 7

Surgery
Steroids
Antibiotics if there is an infection
Radiation/chemo if tumour present.