Spine diseases/syndromes of the spine Flashcards
degenerative causes of sensory symptoms in the cervical spine?
- stenosis
- disc herniation
- cynovial cyst
extradural neoplasms in the cervical back?
- metastases
- primary bone-tumours
intramedullary neoplasms in the cervical spine?
- Ependymoma
- Astrocytoma
- Hemangioblastoma
Characteristics of ependymoma on MRI?
Hypointensities correlating to hemosiderin above and below the tumor on T2W images.
Characteristics of intramedullary Astrocytomas?
- longer than 6 vertebras
- Cysts within the lesion
*rarely hemorrhage at the margins - May have mixed enhancement pattern
+ Younger patients
Intradural, extramedullary neoplasms in the cervical spine
- Meningioma
- Schwannoma
- Neurofibroma
- Ganglioneuroma
most common cause of anterior cord syndrome
infarction/compression of the anterior spinal artery.
Presentation of anterior cord syndrome?
- Paraplegia. (If above C7 = Quadriplegia)
- Loss of pain and temperature sensation (spinothalamic tract)
- Preserved 2 point discrimination, joint position sense, deep pressure sensation
(posterior column functions)
- Preserved 2 point discrimination, joint position sense, deep pressure sensation
When is it reasonable to consider surgery in anterior cord syndrome?
- in cord compressions
- In instability
What are signs of central cord syndrome?
- Disproportionate greater motor deficits in the upper compared to the lower extremities.
WHat is burning hand syndrome?
Cause of central cord syndrome?
This is a watershed area and therefore sensistive. Usually due to hyperextension injuries in the presence of osteophytic spurs.
When is surgery applied for central cord syndromes?
- In ongoing compression, usually in a non-emergency basis.
What are the entities running in the spinothalamic tract?
pain and temperature sense.
What is Brown Sequard syndrome?
?