Spinal Cord Compression

Question 1

types of compression

Answer 1

acute or chronic

complete or partial

Question 2

presentation of complete spinal cord compression

Answer 2

all motor and sensory functions affected

Question 3

presentation of chronic compression

Answer 3

UMN signs predominant

Question 4

presentation of external compression of the spinal cord

Answer 4

lower limbs first then upper limbs

Question 5

presentation of internal compression of the spinal cord

Answer 5

upper limbs affected first

Question 6

three examples of spinal cord compression syndromes

Answer 6

1. central cord syndrome
2. anterior cord syndrome
3. Brown-Sequard syndrome

Question 7

what causes central cord syndrome?

Answer 7

often elderly due to hyperflexion or extension injury of already stenotic neck
syringomyelia

Question 8

presentation of central cord syndrome

Answer 8

cape-like loss of sensation over upper back with weakness in upper body

due to lateral CST lower limbs are not affected

Question 9

presentation of anterior cord syndrome

Answer 9

motor paralysis (CST)
loss of pain/ temperature (STT) below level of lesion
normal DCLM pathway

Question 10

what is Brown-Sequard syndrome?

Answer 10

cord hemi-section affected

Question 11

presentation of Brown-Sequard syndome

Answer 11

loss of pain/ temperature (STT) on contralateral side

loss of motor function (CST) and fine touch (DCLM) on ipsilateral side