Spine Disorders

Question 1

How does an Anterior Spinal Artery Infarction present?

Answer 1

Loss of all function except the posterior column
Flaccid paralysis below the level of infarction
Loss of DTR at the level on infarction
Transitions into spastic paraplegia several weeks later
Loss of pain and temperature
Extensor plantar response

Question 2

What level does flaccid paralysis occur at in an Anterior Spinal Artery Infarction?

Answer 2

Below the level of infarction

Question 3

What level does loss of DTR occur in an Anterior Spinal Artery Infarction?

Answer 3

Level of infarction

Question 4

What function remains intact in an Anterior Spinal Artery Infarction?

Answer 4

Posterior Columns: Position and Vibratory Sense

Question 5

What causes Subacute Combined Degeneration of the Cord?

Answer 5

B12 deficiency and Neurosyphillis

Question 6

How does Subacute Combined Degeneration of the Cord present?

Answer 6

Position and Vibratory sense are lost

Question 7

How does Spinal Trauma present?

Answer 7

Acute onset limb weakness/sensory disturbances: below level of injury

Sphincter function impaired

Loss of DTR at level followed by hyperreflexia below the level

Question 8

What level does Limb weakness/sensory disturbances occur at in Spinal Trauma?

Answer 8

Below the level of trauma

Question 9

What level are DTR impaired at with spinal trauma?

Answer 9

At level: followed by hyperreflexia below the level of injury

Question 10

What is Brown-Sequard Syndrome

Answer 10

Unilateral hemisection of the cord form injury or compression from a mass

Question 11

How does Brown-sequard Syndrome present?

Answer 11

Contralateral pain and temperature loss
Ipsilateral motor function, position and vibratory sense loss

Question 12

What contralateral deficits occur in Brown-Sequard Syndrome?

Answer 12

Pain and temperature sensation

Question 13

What Ipsilateral deficits occur in Brown-Sequard Syndrome?

Answer 13

Motor function, position and vibratory sense

Question 14

What is Syringomyelia?

Answer 14

Fluid-filled, dilated central canal in the spinal cord: widening bubble or cavitation damages neural fibers passing near the center first

Question 15

How does Syringomyelia present?

Answer 15

Loss of pain and temperature bilaterally across the upper back and both arms: capelike distribution

Loss of reflexes and muscle atrophy in the same b/l distribution

Question 16

What is the most accurate test for Syringomyelia?

Answer 16

MRI

Question 17

How do you treat Syringomyelia?

Answer 17

Removal of tumor if present and fluid drainage from the cavity