Spinal cord compression Flashcards
1
Q
Spinal cord compression
A
Compression of the spinal cord before the end of the spinal cord and start of the cauda equina
2
Q
Features
A
Back pain (worse on lying down and coughing)
Lower limb weakness
Sensory loss and numbness
Tendon reflexes increased below the level of the lesion and absent at the level of the lesion
Neurological signs depend on the level of the lesion
3
Q
Lesions above L1
A
Result in UMN signs in legs and a sensory level
4
Q
Lesions below L1
A
Cause LMN signs in the legs and perianal numbness
5
Q
Investigations
A
Urgent MRI whole spine within 24h of presentation
6
Q
Management
A
High dose oral dexamethasone
7
Q
Metastatic causes
A
Breast
Lung
Prostate