Spinal cord lesions

Question 1

Brown-Sequard syndrome

Answer 1

Spinal cord hemisection
Lateral corticospinal tract - ipsilateral spastic paresis below lesion
Dorsal columns - ipsilateral loss of proprioception and vibration sensation
Lateral spinothalamic tract - contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensation

Question 2

Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord

Answer 2

Due to vitamin B12 & E deficiency
Lateral corticospinal tracts - bilateral spastic paresis
Dorsal columns - bilateral loss of proprioception and vibration sensation
Spinocerebellar tracts - bilateral limb ataxia

Question 3

Friedrich’s ataxia

Answer 3

Lateral corticospinal tracts - bilateral spastic paresis
Dorsal columns - bilateral loss of proprioception and vibration sensation
Spinocerebellar tracts - bilateral limb ataxia
Cerebellar ataxia, intention tremor

Question 4

Anterior spinal artery occlusion

Answer 4

Lateral corticospinal tracts - bilateral spastic paresis

Lateral spinothalamic tracts - bilateral loss of pain and temperature sensation

Question 5

Syringomyelia

Answer 5

Ventral horns - flacid paresis (typically affecting the intrinsic hand muscles)
Lateral spinothalamic tract - loss of pain and temperature sensation

Question 6

Multiple sclerosis

Answer 6

Asymmetrical, varying spinal tracts involved

Combination of motor, sensory and ataxia symptoms

Question 7

Neurosyphilis

Answer 7

Tabes dorsalis

Dorsal columns - loss of proprioception and vibration sensation

Question 8

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Answer 8

AKA Motor neuron disease
Both upper (corticospinal tracts) and lower motor neurons affected
Combination of upper and lower motor neuron signs

Question 9

Poliomyelitis

Answer 9

Anterior horns - lower motor neuron signs