Spinal Cord Compression

Question 1

spinal cord compression causes

Answer 1

tumour
degen - discs, OP, spondylosis
infection - IVDU
haematoma
developmental

Question 2

two major presentating features of spinal cord compression?

Answer 2

pain

neurological deficit

Question 3

classic presentation of cervical myelopathy?

Answer 3

upper limb lower motor neurone symptoms

lower limb upper motor neurone symptoms

Question 4

spinal canal stenosis causes?

Answer 4

direct pressure

ischaemia or neural structures

Question 5

red flag back pain plus neurological symptoms, what to do?

Answer 5

thoraco-lumbar MRI, cauda equina syndrome

Question 6

what to watch out for if you suspect cauda equina in investigation?

Answer 6

IMAGE the T-spine for conus involvement!!!

Question 7

T4
T7
T10

levels?

Answer 7

Nipple
xiphisternum
umbilicus

Question 8

acute spinal cord compression features?

Answer 8

spinal shock and takes time to get upper motor normal symptoms
will get weakness

Question 9

most common spinal area for metastasis?

Answer 9

thoracic

lumbar

Question 10

IVDU with neck pain with neurological symptoms, look for what?

Answer 10

site of infection: teeth, injection site

neurological

Question 11

who to watch out for epidural abcess besides IVDUs.

Answer 11

older ppl with comorbidities with vague spinal pain, perhaps from ulcers or other causes

Question 12

3 ways spinal cord can be compressed?

Answer 12

extradural (80%)
intradural (15%)
intramedullary (less common-5%)