Pathoma: Spinal Cord Lesions

Question 1

Other than Chiari malformations, syringomyelia can also be caused by _______________.

Answer 1

trauma (just think, anything that obstructs the flow of CSF in the central canal of the spinal cord can cause this)

Question 2

Syringomyelia usually begins on the ___________ surface of the spine. Thus, what pathway is most frequently inhibited in those with syringomyelia?

Answer 2

Ventral surface. Starts out with loss of pain, due to occlusion of the anterior white commissure. Fine touch and vibration sense are preserved.

Question 3

Syringomyelia most often occurs on which levels?

Answer 3

C8 - T1

Question 4

The lateral horn provides ___________ to the face.

Answer 4

sympathetic input

Question 5

You might get a Board question in which you need to distinguish ALS from syringomyelia. How can you do so?

Answer 5

There will be no loss of sensation (of any kind) in ALS! Only syringomyelia can do this.

Question 6

Describe the characteristics of Friedrich ataxia.

Answer 6

An AR disorder of trinucleotide repeats that leads to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, cerebellar damage, and spinal involvement; leads to ataxia and loss of sensation.