Spinal cord compression

Question 1

What is spinal cord compression?

Answer 1

Spinal cord compression (SCC) results from processes that compress or displace arterial, venous, and cerebrospinal fluid spaces, as well as the cord itself

Question 2

What are the risk factors of spinal cord compression?

Answer 2

> Age 16-30 AND male
> trauma
> Tumour
> Osteoporosis
> High risk occupation
> High risk recreational activities

Question 3

What is the epidemiology of spinal cord compression?

Answer 3

Overall, the leading 5 causes of acute SCI in people ≤65 years of age are as follows, with the highest listed first:

Males: automobile accidents, falls, gunshot wounds, diving accidents, motorcycle accidents

Females: automobile accidents, falls, gunshot wounds, medical/surgical complications, diving accidents.

Question 4

What are the signs and symptoms of spinal cord compression?

Answer 4

> back pain
> numbness or paraesthesias
> weakness or paralysis
> bladder or bowel dysfunction
> hyper-reflexia
> sensory loss
> muscle weakness or wasting
> loss of tone below level of suspected injury (spinal shock)
> hypotension and bradycardia (neurogenic shock)
> complete cord transection syndrome
> cauda equina syndrome
> central cord syndrome

Question 5

What investigations are important for cord compression?

Answer 5

> MRI spine
> Gadolinium-enhanced MRI
> Plain spine X Ray
> CT spine
> CT myelography

Findings:
- TUmours
> Narrowing of the canal
> Bone abnormalities

Question 6

What is cauda equina syndrome?

Answer 6

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a condition that occurs when the bundle of nerves below the end of the spinal cord known as the cauda equina is damaged. Signs and symptoms include low back pain, pain that radiates down the leg, numbness around the anus, and loss of bowel or bladder control.