Spinal cord compression

Question 1

2 major causes on spinal cord compression?

Answer 1

trauma

tumour

Question 2

trauma causes compression how?

Answer 2

Direct cord contusion

Compression by bone fragments

Haematoma

Acute disk prolapse

Question 3

tumour causes compression how?

Answer 3

Tumours are more frequently METASTASES

Question 4

other causes of cord compression?

Answer 4

spinal abscess, TB (Pott’s disease), osteoporosis

Question 5

Presenting symptoms of cord compression?

Answer 5

History of trauma or malignancy
Back Pain
Weakness or paralysis
Numbness, Parasthesias - NOT saddle
Sensory loss - pinprick, temperature, propiception, and vibration
Disturbance of bowel and bladder function
Hyper-reflexia - early sign

A large central lumbar disc prolapse may cause:
Bilateral sciatica

Question 6

what does cauda equina syndrome entail?

Answer 6

The syndrome consists of

saddle anaesthesia,
Bladder dysfunction; difficulties with urination
bladder retention (late stage)
reduced anal tone
loss of bowel and bladder function (late)

leg weakness
hyporeflexia

Question 7

how is spinal cord compression managed?

Answer 7

neurological emergency!

Malignancy:
IV methylprednisolone
Surgery
Radiotherapy

Trauma;
Laminectomy

Question 8

management of CES?

Answer 8

surgical decompression

Question 9

what is a radiculopathy

Answer 9

caused by nerve compression

Radiculopathy – presents with radiating back pain, however there will be no faecal, urinary, or sexual dysfunction in these patients