Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

NEUROLOGY > Spinal conditions > Flashcards

Spinal conditions Flashcards

1
Q

What red flags are associated with lower back pain?

A

Pain wakes the patient up at night

Saddle anaesthesia

Urinary retention or incontinence

PMH of malignancy

Weight loss or fever

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Lumbar spinal stenosis describes narrowing of the spinal canal which compresses the lower spinal cord. What are some of the causes of this condition?

A

Hypertrophy of facet joints and the ligamentum flavum

Protruding intervertebral discs

Spondylolisthesis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are some of the clinical features of lumbar spinal stenosis?

A

Relieved by sitting, lumbar flexion or walking uphill

Anthropoid posture (exaggerated flexion at the waist)

Weakness, tingling and paraesthesia

Hip/ buttock/ lower extremity pain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the surgical option for lumbar spinal stenosis?

A

Lumbar laminectomy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Describe the differences between neurogenic and vascular claudication in terms of; distribution and type of pain

A

NEUROGENIC
Dermatomal distribution
Burning pain

VASCULAR
Sclerotomal distribution
Cramping pain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Both neurogenic and vascular claudication are exacerbated by exercise and relieved by rest. What are some of the other relieving factors for neurogenic pain?

A

Relieved by resting

Walking up hill

Waist flexion

Sitting

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What are some of the features of cervical spondylosis?

A

UMN signs or LMN signs

Narrowing of the disc space on imaging

Osteophyte formation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are the surgery options for cervical spondylosis?

A

Decompressive cervical laminectomy

Anterior cervical discectomy

Posterior cervical foraminotomy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What happens to tone in UMN Vs LMN disease?

A

UMN = tone increased

LMN = tone decreased

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Fasciculations are associated with UMN or LMN?

A

LMN

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What happens to reflexes in UMN disease Vs LMN disease?

A

UMN = reflexes brisk

LMN = decreased/absent

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What happens to planters in UMN disease Vs LMN disease?

A

UMN = upgoing plantars

LMN = downing plantars

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Is clonus present with UMN disease or LMN disease?

A

UMN

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Which type of disc herniation compresses the exiting nerve and which compresses the transversing nerve?

A

Posterolateral herniation compresses the transversing nerve
E.g a herniation at L4/5 damages L5

Far lateral (extraforaminal) herniation compresses the exiting nerve 
E.g a herniation at L4/5 damages L4
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What might be some of the clinical features of an L5/ S1 prolapsed intervertebral disc?

A

Reduced/ absent ankle jerk reflex

Weakness of plantar flexion

Pain and sensory loss

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What might be some of the clinical features of an L4/5 prolapsed intervertebral disc?

A

Weakness of dorsiflexion of the toe or foot

Pain and sensory loss

17
Q

What might be some of the clinical features of an L3/4 prolapsed intervertebral disc?

A

Reduced knee jerk

Pain and sensory loss

18
Q

What level of disc prolapse is usually the cause of cauda equina syndrome?

A

L4/5

19
Q

What are some of the clinical features of caudal equina syndrome?

A

Bilateral leg pain

Saddle paraesthesia

Erectile dysfunction

Urinary retention and incontinence

20
Q

How might degenerative cervical myelopathy present? (disc prolapse in the cervical spine)

A

Clumsy hands with fingertip paraesthesia

Difficulty with fine motor tasks

Hyperreflexia

21
Q

What is meant by the term ‘Syrinx’?

A

Build up of fluid in the spinal cord

22
Q

What is usually the investigation of choice for spinal problems?

A

MRI

23
Q

What are the general treatment options for spinal problems?

A

Physiotherapy and analgesia

Surgery

24
Q

What are some of the possible causes of acute and chronic spinal cord compression?

A

ACUTE
Truama
Collapse/ haemorrhage from a tumour
Infection

CHRONIC
Tumours
RA
Spondylosis (OA)

25
Q

Describe the presentation of cord transection (complete spinal cord lesions)

A

Complete lesion

All motor and sensory modalities are affected below the level of the lesion

Contralateral loss of pain and temp sensation begins 1-2 segments below the lesion

26
Q

Describe the presentation of Brown-Sequard syndrome/

A

Half of the spinal cord is injured

Ipsilateral motor paralysis below the level of the lesion

Contralateral loss of pain and temp sensation begins 1-2 segments below the lesion

27
Q

Describe the presentation of central cord syndrome

A

Distal bilateral upper limb weakness

‘Cape-like’ spinothalamic sensory loss

28
Q

What are some of the causes of central cord syndrome?

A

Syringomyelia

Narrowing of the spinal canal with age - pinches off blood supply - inner part of the spinal cord is the most sensitive to damage

Hyperflexion or extension injuries to an already stenotic neck

29
Q

Describe the presentation of anterior cord syndrome

A

Paralysis and loss of pain and temperature sensation below the level of the injury with preserved proprioception and vibration sensation

NEUROLOGY (18 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions