Topic 4 - Spinal Cord and CNS

Question 1

Cauda equina - pathology

Answer 1

Compression and/or irritation of nerve roots below L2 vertebral level

Question 2

Cauda equina - Symptoms

Answer 2

Low back pain/Sciatica agg: sitting, rel: lying down.
Decreased sensation in “saddle” area.
Bladder and/or bowel issues.
Motor and reflex loss (dependent on nerve roots affected) - paralysis of toe and foot

Question 3

Anterior cerebral artery - supply

Answer 3

Medial frontal and parietal lobes

Question 4

Anterior cerebral artery - blockage loss of function

Answer 4

Personality changes.

Contralateral hemiplegia and hemisensory loss (more severe in LL).

Question 5

Middle cerebral artery - supply

Answer 5

Globus pallidus, putemen, most of lateral hemisphere, part of internal capsule, caudate.

Question 6

Middle cerebral artery - blockage loss of function

Answer 6

Contralateral hemiplegia and hemisensory loss (UL and face more affected).
Language impairment (if L HS), non verbal communication impairment (if R HS).
Difficulty with spatial relationships.
Neglect