Spinal Cord Compression Flashcards
def
compression of the spinal cord
what is spinal cord compression classed as in hospital
an emergency
aetiology
compression of spinal cord by: COMMON: 1 spine trauma 2 vertebral fracture 3 intevertebral disc herniation 4 primary malignancy or secondary malignancy (breast, lung, prostate) which has metastased to the spine 5 infection
what is the leading cause of acute SCC
spinal trauma
- road traffic accidents
- falls
- sports injuries
who are vertebral fractures commonly seen in
vertebral compression fractures are common in elderly patients with
-bone weakening (osteoporosis or osteomalacia)
how can infection cause spinal cord compression
discitis
TB (Pott’s disease of the spine)
epidural abscess
epi
most common in young adult males
trauma is the most common reason
are primary or secondary tumours a more common cause of spinal cord compression
secondary
risk factors
young adult males
trauma
osteoporosis (vertebral compression fracture)
history
typically presents with weakness, loss of sensation, or pins + needles in the legs
however spinal or root pain may precede this
bladder and anal sphincter involvement occurs later and is associated with hesitancy, frequency
what is acute onset of symptoms associated with
traumatic cord compression or disc herniation
what is chronic onset of symptoms associated with
osteoporosis, osteomyelitis, malignancy
examination
observe for sensory, motor, reflexes
LMN signs are common at the level of cord compression
UMN signs are common below the level of cord compression (however tone and reflexes are usually reduced in acute spinal cord compression)
what condition is associated with spinal cord compression, particularly when caused by a herniated lumbar disc
cauda equina
investigations
1 MRI (vitally important) 2 biopsy may be required to investigate any masses
