Subacute combined degeneration of spinal cord Flashcards
1
Q
Pathology?
A
B12 deficiency leading to degeneration of dorsal column & corticospinal tracts of spinal cord
2
Q
Aetiology?
A
- pernicious anaemia
- dietary deficiency
- malabsorption
3
Q
Symptoms?
A
dorsal column usually affected first (joint position, vibration) before distal paraesthesia
4
Q
signs?
A
- sensorimotor neuropathy
- lower limb spasticity
- absent ankle jerk
- brisk knee jerk
- extensor plantar response
in bold above, classical triad
5
Q
Ix?
A
- FBC
- B12 level
- intrinsic factor antibody
6
Q
Rx?
A
B12 replacement - prognosis depends on speed of treatment
