Spinal Cord Compression Flashcards
Define Spinal Cord Compression?
Injury to the spinal cord with neurological symptoms dependent on the site and extent of the injury
What are most cases of Spinal Cord Compression due to?
Trauma and tumours
How can trauma lead to compression?
Direct cord contusion
Compression by bone fragments
Haematoma
Acute disk prolapse
What are tumours that cause Spinal Cord Compression often?
Metastases
What are some of the other causes of Spinal Cord Compression?
Spinal abscess
TB (Pott’s Disease)
What are the risk factors of Spinal Cord Compression?
Trauma
Osteoporosis
Metabolic bone disease
Vertebral disc disease
What is the epidemiology of Spinal Cord Compression?
COMMON
Trauma occurs across all age groups
Malignancy/disc disease is more common in the ELDERLY
What are the presenting symptoms of Spinal Cord Compression?
History of trauma or malignancy Pain Weakness Sensory loss Disturbance of bowel and bladder function
What can a large central lumbar disc prolapse cause for Spinal Cord Compression?
Bilateral sciatica
Saddle anaesthesia (loss of sensation in the area of the buttocks that is covered by a bike seat)
Urinary retention
WHat are the general signs of Spinal Cord Compression?
Diaphragmatic breathing Reduced anal tone HYPOreflexia Priapism Spinal shock Sensory loss Motor signs Brown-Sequard Syndrome
What is Priapism?
Persistent and painful erection
What is Spinal shock?
Low BP without tachycardia
Where is the sensory loss in Spinal Cord Compression?
At level of the lesion
What are the motor signs of Spinal Cord Compression?
Weakness or paralysis
Downward plantars (in acute phase)
UMN signs below the level of the lesion
LMN signs at the level of the lesion
How is Brown-Sequard Syndrome seen?
With hemisection of the spinal cord
