Spinal Cord Disorders

Question 1

What problems can spinal disorders cause?

Answer 1

1) Weakness
2) Spasticity/spasms
3) Pain
4) Loss of sensation
5) Incoordination
6) Bladder
7) Bowel
8) Sexual

Question 2

At what level does the Spinal Cord terminate at in aduls?

Answer 2

L1/L2

Question 3

Give 3 symptoms of Cauda Equina syndrome.

Answer 3

• Bilateral sciatica - pain radiates down leg to foot.
• Saddle anaesthesia.
• Bladder/bowel dysfunction.
• Erectile dysfunction.
• Leg weakness.

Question 4

What is included in the Motor Exam? (10 key muscles)

Answer 4

C5 - Elbow flexion
C6 - Wrist extension
C7 - Elbow extension
C8 - Finger flexion
T1 - finger abduction
L2 - Hip Flexion
L3 - Knee extension
L4 - Ankle dorsiflexion
L5 - toe extension
S1 - ankle plantar flexion

Question 5

How many points in a sensory examination?

Answer 5

28 Dermatomes and three point scale for sensory scoring
0 = absent, 1=impaired, 2=normal

Question 6

What are each tuning fork frequencies used for?

Answer 6

128: Vibratory Sensation (Axonal Neuropathy)
256: Hearing (Sensorineural)
512: Hearing (Conductive Loss)