Diseases of the Spinal Cord and Nerve Roots Flashcards
Where does the spinal cord start and end?
C1- L2
What parts of the spinal cord are composed of grey matter?
Anterior horn
Posterior horn
Central canal
What parts of the spinal cord are composed of white matter?
Anterior, lateral and posterior columns
What are the clinical features of a spinal cord disease?
Pain- local or referred
Deformity
Motor -weakness
Sensory- pins and needles, tingling, numbness
What upper motor clinical features occur due to cord compression?
Weakness Increased tone Increased reflexes Upgoing plantar response Clonus
What are the lower motor clinical features of a peripheral nerve root compression?
Wasting of muscle Fasiculation Weakness Decreased tone Decreased reflexes Decreased or absent plantar response
What are the different types of spina bifida?
Occulta
Aperta
What is the difference between occulta and apart spina bifida?
Occulta- normal or mild symptoms
Aperta- hydrocephalus, chiari malformation, aqueduct stenosis, tethered cord as associated symptoms
What are the subtypes of spina bifida aperta?
Meningocele
Meningomyelocele
What are the different forms of cervical spondylosis?
Myelopthy
Radiculopathy
What are the different forms of lumbar spondylosis?
Radiculopathy
Cauda equina syndrome
What are the clinical signs of caudal equina syndrome?
Bilateral leg pain
Bladder/ bowel symptoms
saddle sensory symptoms
Where are the common locations of spinal metastasis?
Breast
Lung
Prostate
What are the different types of primary spinal neoplasms?
Neurofibroma
Lymphoma
Meningioma
What are the clinical symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Pain worse at night
Paraesthesia/ numbness
