Spinal Cord and Root Dysfunction Flashcards
spinal cord dysfunction presents with what symptoms?
pain sensory disturbance weakness sphincter dysfunction sexual dysfunction
if the arms are involved, what area of the spinal cord is the problem likely to be in?
cervical levels
how could you decifer if the problem is in the thoracic region?
arms not/minimally involved
a problem in the lumbar spinal cord will not present with UMN features T or F
T
how could you tell if the problem is in the lumbar spine?
only legs involved
cervical and thoracic spinal cord problems will present with what motor neurone features?
UMN
tone is increased in UMN/LMN?
UMN
brisk reflexes suggest….
an UMN lesion
clonus is present in UMN/LMN
UMN
a patient with a/an _MN lesion will dorsiflex their foot
UMN
a patient with a/an _MN lesion will plantarflex their foot
LMN
fasciculations are present with what motor neuron problem?
LMN
describe the level of muscle atrophy experienced in UMN and LMN lesions
UMN - none/late
LMN - early atrophy
most common disc to prolapse?
C7
an UMN lesion signifies a problem where?
cerebral hemispheres
cerebellum
brainstem
spinal cord
a LMN lesion signifies a problem where?
anterior horn cell
nerve roots
peripheral nerves
muscles
spasticity is a sign of,,,,
an UMN lesion
if a patient has peripheral sensory loss is it an UMN or LMN lesion?
LMN
if a patient has normal nerve conduction on EMG, is it likely to be an UMN or LMN lesion?
UMN
a disc prolapse will cause _MN lesions; why is this?
LMN
disc will compress the nerve root which is a component of the LMN system
main symptoms of thoracic disc prolapse?
thoracic pain
myelopathy
main symptoms of lumbar disc prolapse?
leg pain
LMN symptoms
where is the pain in spinal claudication?
back of thighs and calves
leg pain is often _lateral in cauda equina
bi
GU symptoms of cauda equina?
perianal sensory loss
genital numbness
erectile dysfunction
painless retention with incontinence
“numb clumsy hands”
cervical myelopathy
cervical myelopathy is usually _lateral
bi
cervical myelopathy presents with _MN symptoms
UMN
risk factors for failed back syndrome
diabetes
smoking
high BMI
define failed back syndrome
chronic back pain following surgery causing recurrent, residual nerve compression
Tx of failed back syndrome
physio
NSAIDs
antidepressants
