Spinal Cord Compression Flashcards Preview

Neurology SB > Spinal Cord Compression > Flashcards

Flashcards in Spinal Cord Compression Deck (20)
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1
Q

what are the common cause of acute spinal cord compression

A

trauma
tumours (most common)
infection (TB)
spontaneous haemorrhage

2
Q

what are the common causes of chronic spinal cord compression

A

Degenerative disease – spondylosis
Tumours
Rheumatoid Arthritis

3
Q

in a complete lesion of the spinal cord what is affected

A

all motor and sensory modalities

4
Q

what happens initially after a cord transection

A

flaccid arreflexic paralysis “Spinal Shock”

- low muscle tone, absent reflexes

5
Q

what appears later on after spinal compression

A

UMN signs

6
Q

what type of injury is an injury to the spinal cord

A

upper motor neurone injury

7
Q

what are the distinct symptoms of Brown-Sequard syndrome (i.e. cord hemisection)

A

Ipsilateral motor level - weakness of side of injury

Ipsilateral Dorsal Column sensory level - loss of sensation of side of injury

Contralateral spinothalamic sensory level - loss of pain and temp on the other side

8
Q

what are causes of central cord syndrome

A

Hyperflexion or extension injury to already stenotic neck

9
Q

Sx of central cord syndrome

A

Distal upper limb weakness

“Cape-like” spinothalamic sensory loss - lose a few dermatomes

10
Q

what is preserved in central cord syndrome

A

Lower limb power

Dorsal columns

11
Q

who is most likely to get central cord syndrome

A

> 50y/o with OA in the neck or with cervical spondylosis

12
Q

how does chronic spinal cord compression differ from acute

A

Same as acute except upper motor neurone signs predominate

13
Q

what are the common extradural tumours that can cause spinal cord compression

A

usually metastasis: lung
breast
kidney
prostate

14
Q

what are the intra-dural tumours that cause spinal cord compression

A

Extramedullary: meningioma, Schwannoma

Intramedullary: Astrocytoma, Ependymoma

15
Q

what leads to spinal canal stenosis

A

osteophyte formation
bulging of intervertebral discs
facet joint hypertrophy
subluxation

16
Q

what infections can be seen in the spinal cord

A

staph

TB

17
Q

what is Tx for spinal cord injury caused by trauma

A
  • immobilise
  • Ix = X-ray/CT
  • Methylprednisolone
  • Decompress + stabilise
18
Q

Tx for metastatic tumours in the spinal cord

A
  • dexamethasone (reduces swelling)
  • radiotherapy
  • chemotherapy
  • surgical decompression + stabilise
19
Q

Tx for primary metastatic tumour in spinal cord

A

surgical excision

20
Q

Tx for degenerative disease in the spinal cord

A

surgical decompression + stabilise