Spinal cord compression Flashcards
What causes spinal cord compression?
trauma
degenerative wear and tear - spondylosis
rheumatoid arthritis - c1/2 most vulnerable
What is seen in terms of reflexes after spinal cord trauma?
flaccid reflexes due to a temporary spinal shock then you get UMN signs (increased reflexes)
What extradural tumours are usually in the spine?
metastesis - from lung, breast, kidney, prostate
What intradural tumours are usually in the spine?
extra medullary (outside of spinal cord) meningiomas and schwannomas intra medullary (inside spinal cord) astrocytoma and ependyomas
How can tumours cause issues with the spine?
can either cause acute compression by collapse or haemorrhage
or can slowly compress
What degenerative diseases can affect the spine?
spinal canal stenosis - osteophyte formation, facet joint hypertrophy, subluxation and buldging of intervertebral discs
How is spinal canal stenosis treated?
surgical decompression +/- stabalisation
What infections can affect the spine?
epidural abscesses - blood bourne, staph (IV drugs), tuberculosis
What are the 3 kinds of haemorrhage that can affect the spine?
epidural
subdural
intramedullary
What are spinal haemorrhages often due to?
trauma
patients on anticoagulants
AVM
bleeding diathesis
What is the treatment for spinal haemorrhages?
reverse anticoagulation
surgical decompression
What is the treatment for spinal metastasis?
IV dexamethasone + radiotherapy + chemotherapy
What is central cord syndrome?
injury of the medial corticospinal fibres
How does central cord syndrome present?
upper limb weakness
loss of spinothalamic sensation in the cape region (as the fibres go over the middle)
What is anterior cord syndrome?
injury to all corticospinal and spinothalamic fibres
