subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord

Question 1

what is subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord due to

Answer 1

vitamin B12 deficiency causing an impairment of the dorsal columns, lateral corticospinal tracts and spinocerebellar tracts

Question 2

what recreational drug can cause subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord

Answer 2

nitrous oxide

Question 3

features of dorsal column involvement of the spinal cord

Answer 3

distal tingling/burning/sensory loss is symmetrical and tends to affect legs more than arms
impaired proprioception

Question 4

features of the lateral corticospinal tract involvement

Answer 4

muscle weakness, hyperreflexia and spasticity
UMN signs develop in legs first
brisk knee reflex, absent ankle

Question 5

features of spinocerebellar tract involvement

Answer 5

sensory ataxia-> gait abnormal
positive romberg’s