Spinal Cord and Root Dysfunction Flashcards
What are some common presenting symptoms of spinal cord and root dysfunction?
Pain Sensory disturbance Weakness Sphincter dysfunction Sexual dysfunction
In UMN lesions the tone is increased/decreased and in LMN lesions the tone is increased/decreased
In UMN lesions the tone is increased and in LMN lesions the tone is decreased
Are fasciculations present in UMN lesions or LMN lesions?
LMN lesions
What happens to reflexes in UMN lesions?
They are brisk
What happens to reflexes in LMN lesions?
They are decreased/absent
In UMN lesions clonus is present/absent and in LMN lesions clonus is present/absent
Clonus is present in UMN lesions and absent in LMN lesions
How do patients with a cervical disc prolapse present?
Arm pain
Will a lateral cervical disc prolapse cause a UMN lesion or LMN lesion?
LMN
How do patients with a lumbar disc prolapse present?
Leg pain
Lumbar disc prolapse causes a UMN/LMN lesion
LMN
Give some symptoms of spinal claudication
Burning pain down back of thighs and calves
Altered sensation
Pain from spinal claudication eases when bending forwards/backwards
Forwards
How can one differentiate between spinal and vascular claudication?
Check peripheral pulses
Give some symptoms of cauda equina syndrome
Leg pain
Perianal sensory loss
Genital numbness
Painless urinary retention
What are some red flags for spinal cord dysfunction?
Bilateral leg pain Weight loss Night pain Perianal sensory loss Trauma Immunocompromise
