Neuro case study 2

Question 1

Explain the findings of lateral medullary syndrome

Answer 1

Loss of spinothalamic tract on the contralateral side
Loss of the trigeminal tract on the ipsilateral side
Dorsal column is not affected

Question 2

What is syringomyelia? What part of the spinal cord specifically is affected? What are the signs?

Answer 2

Chronic progressive disease
Longitudinal cavities form in the cervical region of the spinal cord - Ventral white commisure
Results in wasting of the muscles in the hands and a loss of sensation

Question 3

What is Charcots joints? What condition is it associated with?

Answer 3

Loss of pain sensation
Leads to unawareness of damage to the jont
Associated with Syringomyelia and tabes dorsalis

Question 4

What is Rhomberg sign?

Answer 4

Testing proprioception

When walking with eyes closed, patient will stumble

Question 5

What is tabes dorsalis? What are the signs?

Answer 5

Happens 8-12 years after syphilis
Degeneration of myelinated neurons in the dorsal region
Lighting pain - due to lack of inhibitory neurons for the spinothalamic tract