Spinal Cord & Related Disorders

Question 1

What is spinal cord compression?

Answer 1

A condition where the spinal cord is compressed by external factors, leading to neurological deficits.

Question 2

Name the common causes of spinal cord compression.

Answer 2

Herniated disc, trauma, tumour, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis.

Question 3

What are the classic symptoms of spinal cord compression?

Answer 3

Pain, numbness, weakness, sensory changes, loss of bladder/bowel control.

Question 4

What is the key diagnostic tool for spinal cord compression?

Answer 4

MRI of the spine.

Question 5

What are the management options for spinal cord compression?

Answer 5

Surgery, corticosteroids, pain management, physical therapy.

Question 6

What is cauda equina syndrome?

Answer 6

Compression of the cauda equina (nerve roots at the end of the spinal cord), leading to bowel, bladder, and sexual dysfunction.

Question 7

What are the key diagnostic signs of cauda equina syndrome?

Answer 7

Urinary retention, incontinence, saddle anaesthesia, lower limb weakness.

Question 8

What is the emergency treatment for cauda equina syndrome?

Answer 8

Urgent decompression surgery to prevent permanent damage.

Question 9

What are potential complications of untreated spinal cord compression?

Answer 9

Permanent paralysis, incontinence, chronic pain, loss of sensation.

Question 10

What determines the prognosis in spinal cord compression?

Answer 10

The cause of compression, speed of diagnosis, and initiation of treatment.

Question 11

What is a spinal cord injury?

Answer 11

Damage to the spinal cord resulting from trauma or disease, leading to loss of function, mobility, or sensation below the level of injury.

Question 12

What are common causes of spinal cord injury?

Answer 12

Trauma (e.g., motor vehicle accidents, falls, sports injuries), tumours, infections, or degenerative diseases.

Question 13

What are the mechanisms of spinal cord injury?

Answer 13

Compression, contusion, laceration, or ischemia.

Question 14

What are the main types of spinal cord injury?

Answer 14

Complete (loss of all motor and sensory function below the injury) and incomplete (partial preservation of motor/sensory function).

Question 15

What are the clinical signs of spinal cord injury?

Answer 15

Loss of motor function, sensory loss, loss of reflexes, incontinence, respiratory difficulties.

Question 16

What is the difference in symptoms between cervical and thoracic/lumbar spinal cord injuries?

Answer 16

Cervical injuries can cause tetraplegia, whereas thoracic/lumbar injuries typically result in paraplegia.

Question 17

What diagnostic tests are used to assess spinal cord injury?

Answer 17

MRI, CT scan, X-rays to evaluate the extent and location of the injury.

Question 18

What is the initial management for spinal cord injury?

Answer 18

Airway management, immobilization, high-dose corticosteroids (if within 8 hours), surgical decompression, and stabilization.

Question 19

What are the common treatments for cervical spinal cord injuries?

Answer 19

Cervical collar, traction, and surgery to stabilize the spine.

Question 20

What is the treatment for thoracic and lumbar spinal cord injuries?

Answer 20

Surgery to relieve compression, stabilization, and rehabilitation to improve mobility and function.

Question 21

What causes secondary injury in spinal cord injuries?

Answer 21

Inflammation, ischemia, and oxidative damage that worsens the initial injury.

Question 22

What factors influence the prognosis of spinal cord injuries?

Answer 22

The level and completeness of the injury, early intervention, and rehabilitation.

Question 23

What are common complications of spinal cord injury?

Answer 23

Pressure ulcers, deep vein thrombosis, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, spasticity.

Question 24

What does rehabilitation for spinal cord injury involve?

Answer 24

Physical therapy, occupational therapy, adaptive devices, psychological support, and mobility training.

Question 25

What is Anterior Cord Syndrome?

Answer 25

A condition caused by damage to the anterior part of the spinal cord, resulting in motor paralysis and loss of pain and temperature sensation below the level of injury, while maintaining light touch and proprioception.

Question 26

What are common causes of Anterior Cord Syndrome?

Answer 26

Trauma (e.g., hyperflexion injury, vertebral fracture), ischemia, tumors, or disc herniation.

Question 27

What parts of the spinal cord are affected in Anterior Cord Syndrome?

Answer 27

The anterior two-thirds of the spinal cord, affecting the corticospinal and spinothalamic tracts.

Question 28

What are the main clinical features of Anterior Cord Syndrome?

Answer 28

Bilateral motor weakness or paralysis, loss of pain and temperature sensation, preserved light touch and proprioception.

Question 29

How is Anterior Cord Syndrome diagnosed?

Answer 29

Diagnosis is primarily clinical, confirmed with MRI or CT imaging to identify the extent of spinal cord damage.

Question 30

What is the prognosis for Anterior Cord Syndrome?

Answer 30

Prognosis depends on the severity of the injury. Some patients may regain partial motor function, but full recovery is unlikely.

Question 31

What is the management of Anterior Cord Syndrome?

Answer 31

Immediate treatment includes immobilization, corticosteroids (if within 8 hours), surgical decompression, and rehabilitation for functional recovery.

Question 32

Which spinal tracts are affected in Anterior Cord Syndrome?

Answer 32

The corticospinal tract (motor function) and the spinothalamic tract (pain and temperature sensation).

Question 33

Which sensory modalities are typically spared in Anterior Cord Syndrome?

Answer 33

Light touch and proprioception are often preserved due to the involvement of the posterior columns.

Question 34

How does Anterior Cord Syndrome differ from Central Cord Syndrome?

Answer 34

Anterior Cord Syndrome primarily affects motor and pain/temperature sensation, whereas Central Cord Syndrome often causes greater upper extremity weakness with sparing of lower extremities