Clinical features
The presentation of a spinal cord compression depends upon:
- site of lesion - intramedullary lesions produce within spinal segmental damage only; others produce cord both root and segmental damage
- extent of lesion - partial, e.g. Brown Sequard, or complete
- level of lesion - roots only damaged below L1
- speed of onset - rapidly progressive lesions usually produce permanent deficits
- 'spinal shock' - upper motor neurone disease - but with a flaccid paralysis, loss of reflexes, absent plantar reflexes
Pain characteristics suggesting spinal metastases (1):
- severe unremitting back pain
- progressive back pain
- mechanical pain (aggravated by standing, sitting or moving)
- back pain aggravated by straining (for example, coughing, sneezing or bowel movements)
- night-time back pain disturbing sleep
- localised tenderness
- claudication (muscle pain or cramping in the legs when walking or exercising)
Symptoms and signs suggesting cord compression (1):
- bladder or bowel dysfunction
- gait disturbance or difficulty walking
- limb weakness
- neurological signs of spinal cord or cauda equina compression
- numbness, paraesthesia or sensory loss
- radicular pain
Reference:
Related pages
Create an account to add page annotations
Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.