spinal cord lesions

Question 1

ALS

Answer 1

motor lesion
affects both upper (corticospinal tracts) and lower motor neurons
results in a combination of upper and lower motor neuron signs

Question 2

poliomyelitis

Answer 2

motor

affects anterior horns resulting in lower motor neuron signs

Question 3

brown-sequard syndrome

Answer 3

(spinal cord hemisection)
1. Lateral corticospinal tract
2. Dorsal columns
3. Lateral spinothalamic tract

1. Ipsilateral spastic paresis below lesion
2. Ipsilateral loss of proprioception and vibration sensation
3. Contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensation

Question 4

Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord (vitamin B12 & E deficiency)

Answer 4

1. Lateral corticospinal tracts
2. Dorsal columns
3. Spinocerebellar tracts
4. Bilateral spastic paresis
5. Bilateral loss of proprioception and vibration sensation
6. Bilateral limb ataxia

Question 5

Friedrich’s ataxia

Answer 5

1. Lateral corticospinal tracts
2. Dorsal columns
3. Spinocerebellar tracts
4. Bilateral spastic paresis
5. Bilateral loss of proprioception and vibration sensation
6. Bilateral limb ataxia

In addition cerebellar ataxia → other features e.g. intention tremor

Question 6

Anterior spinal artery occlusion

Answer 6

1. Lateral corticospinal tracts
2. Lateral spinothalamic tracts
3. Bilateral spastic paresis
4. Bilateral loss of pain and temperature sensation

Question 7

Syringomyelia

Answer 7

1. Ventral horns
2. Lateral spinothalamic tract
3. Flacid paresis (typically affecting the intrinsic hand muscles)
4. Loss of pain and temperature sensation

Question 8

Multiple sclerosis

Answer 8

Asymmetrical, varying spinal tracts involved

Combination of motor, sensory and ataxia symptoms

Question 9

neurosyphillis (tabes dorsalis)

Answer 9

1. Dorsal columns
2. Loss of proprioception and vibration sensation