Spinal Cord Injuries

Question 1

What are the features of Brown Sequard Syndrome?

Answer 1

BELOW THE LEVEL OF THE INJURY

• Ipsilateral hemiplegia (weakness)
• Ipsilateral loss of proprioception and vibration
• Contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensation

Question 2

What causes Brown Sequard syndrome?

Answer 2

Anatomical disruption of nerve fibre tracts in one half of the spinal cord

Question 3

What tracts are damaged in Brown Sequard syndrome?

Answer 3

• Descending lateral corticospinal tracts
• Ascending dorsal column
• Ascending spinothalamic tracts

Question 4

What is syringomyelia?

Answer 4

Collection of fluid in spinal cord

Question 5

What are the features of central cord damage?

Answer 5

• Sensory loss in cape distribution across back and upper limbs
• Hand muscle wasting and weakness
• Pain and temperature loss (crossing fibres)

Question 6

What spinal cord condition can B12 deficiency (incl. due to pernicious anaemia) lead to?

Answer 6

Subacute combined degeneration of the cord