Spinal Cord Stroke Flashcards
What is the blood supply to the spine?
An anterior and posterior spinal artery
What artery is more likely to be affected in spinal cord stroke?
Anterior
What is a spinal cord stroke?
Lack of blood flow to the spinal cord resulting in a radiculopathy
What is a radiculopathy?
Compression of a spinal nerve causing
- Weakness
- Numbness
- Parasthesia
What other symptoms occur with a spinal shock?
Severe back pain (from referred pain)
Urinary symptoms
Spinal shock
What is spinal shock?
Loss of sensation and motor with initial loss of reflexes that gradually returns following spinal cord injury
Risk factors and causes?
Atherosclerosis
AF
Spinal cord artery stenosis
Aortic dissection
Signs?
LMN signs
- Muscle fasciculation
- Weakness
- Decreased tone
- Hyporeflexia
Tests?
CT Sagittal thorax and neck
- Look for haemorrhage
- Contrast for ischaemia
Bloods
ECG for AF
Blood tests?
D dimer
Clotting screen
Lipid profile
Treatment?
Depends on cause
Cardiovert AF
BP drugs
Antiplatelet therapy
Physiotherapy
