Spinal Cord Compression Syndrome

Question 1

What causes anterior cord syndrome?

Answer 1

Anterior spinal artery damage causes cord infarction supplied by this artery.

Question 2

Anterior cord syndrome presentation

Answer 2

Paralysis and loss of pain and temp below level of injury

Preserved proprioception and vibration sensation (in the dorsal spinal cord)

Question 3

Initial presentation of cord transection (complete lesion) and how does the presentation progress?

Answer 3

All motor and sensory modalities affected below the lesion
Initially flaccid paralysis (spinal shock)
UMN signs appear later

Question 4

Brown sequard syndrome presentation

Answer 4

Ipsilateral motor neuron paralysis and loss of proprioception below lesion
Contralateral loss o pain and temp sensation beginning 1 or 2 segments below lesion

Question 5

Causes of central cord syndrome

Answer 5

Acute extension injury to already stenotic neck
Syringomyelia
Tumour

Question 6

Presentation of central cord syndrome

Answer 6

Bilateral upper limb weakness more than lower limb (fibres in corticospinal tract for lower limb are more lateral)
Cape-like spinothalamic sensory loss
Dorsal columns are preserved