Spinal cord

Question 1

Paresis

Answer 1

M weakness caused by n damage

Question 2

Myelopathy

Answer 2

disorder resulting in SC dysfxn

Question 3

Radiculopathy

Answer 3

S + M dysfxn due to injury to a NERVE ROOT

• LMN signs (low reflex, weakness)

Question 4

Where do the major spinal tracts cross at . . .

1. spinothalamic tract
2. posterior/dorsal column
3. corticospinal tract

Answer 4

1. spinothalamic tract
   - white ventral (anterior) commissure
2. posterior/dorsal column
   - sensory decussation in superior medulla
3. corticospinal tract
   - medullary pyramid (80%)

Question 5

Vertebral body # is diff from underlying cord segment number: rule for
- Upper cervical

Answer 5

Upper cervical:

- Spinous process overlies same spinal cord segment

Question 6

Vertebral body # is diff from underlying cord segment number: rule for
- Lower cervical

Answer 6

Lower cervical:

- Spinous process overlies spinal cord segment +1

Question 7

Vertebral body # is diff from underlying cord segment number: rule for
- Upper thoracic

Answer 7

• Spinous process overlies spinal cord segment +2

ie: T4 bone, T6 cord

Question 8

Vertebral body # is diff from underlying cord segment number: rule for
- lower thoracic

Answer 8

• Spinous process overlies spinal cord segment +2-3

Question 9

Vertebral body # is diff from underlying cord segment number: rule for
- lower edge of L1

Answer 9

Vertebral body overlies cord tip (S2-4)

Question 10

Babinski sign may signal?

Hoffman?

Answer 10

Both signals UMN syndromes

Babinski: extensor plantar response

Hoffman:
Upper extremity

(reflex 2-3 normal, 5 = sustained clonus)

Question 11

Biceps motor fxn has assoc. with which nerve root?

Answer 11

C5 + C6

Question 12

Brachioradialis reflex associated with which nerve root?

Answer 12

C6

Question 13

L4 motor fxns

Answer 13

Psoas, Quads

Question 14

L5 motor fxn

Answer 14

Foot dorsi + eversion/inversion

Question 15

S1 motor fxn

Answer 15

Foot plantarflexion

Question 16

L4 sensory abnormality

Answer 16

knee

Medial leg

Question 17

L5 sensory abnormality

Answer 17

dorsum of the foot

great toe

Question 18

S1 sensory abnormality

Answer 18

Lat foot
small toe
sole

Question 19

ALS (Lou gehrigs) has which kind of lesion? Presentation?

Answer 19

Combined anterior horn cell pyramidal tract
- affects Corticospinal tracts (LCS)and LMN cells (ant horn) in the cord

• fasciculations

Question 20

Posterolateral column syndrome

has which kind of lesions? Presentation?

Answer 20

DC + Lateral corticospinal trct

bilateral loss of position, vibration,

and strength (LCS - limb motor)

ie: B12 deficiency

Question 21

Late pain in thigh & buttocks

Conus medullaris or Cauda equina syndrome?

Answer 21

COnus

-want a cone in your butt? put it off

Question 22

Early root pain radiating to legs

Conus medullaris or Cauda equina syndrome?

Answer 22

Cauda Equina

roots L1-S5

Question 23

Pelvic floor muscle weakness

Conus medullaris or Cauda equina syndrome?

Answer 23

Conus

Question 24

Leg weakness & weak DTR (LMN)

Conus medullaris or Cauda equina syndrome?

Answer 24

Cauda

roots L1-S5

Question 25

Symmetric saddle anethesia | Conus medullaris or Cauda equina syndrome?

Answer 25

Conus | cauda is patchy, and assymetric

Question 26

Early bladder dysfxn, Early bowel and Sexual dysfxn (Conus medullaris or Cauda equina syndrome?)

Answer 26

Conus

Question 27

Late bladder dysfxn, Late bowel and Sexual dysfxn (Conus medullaris or Cauda equina syndrome?)

Answer 27

Cauda