Spinal Cord Compression

*Explanation*: Spinal cord compression is a neurosurgical emergency; surgery relieves pressure and prevents permanent deficit.

What our notes say

• *Explanation*: Spinal cord compression is a neurosurgical emergency; surgery relieves pressure and prevents permanent deficit. (Multiple myeloma)
• Emergencies: SVC obstruction, spinal cord compression, hypercalcaemia, massive haemoptysis, tracheal obstruction. (Lung Cancer)
• Neurological: Neck stiffness, altered mental status, focal neurological deficits (meningeal TB, spinal cord compression). (Tuberculosis: pulmonary and extrapulmonary)
• Presence of complications: Massive haemoptysis, respiratory failure, spinal cord compression, neurological deficits, cardiac tamponade. (Tuberculosis: pulmonary and extrapulmonary)
• | Pathologic fractures / spinal cord compression | Focal bone pain, neurologic deficit | Orthopaedic fixation or radiotherapy, continue systemic therapy, immobilise | (Multiple myeloma)
• Autonomic testing – bladder scan, perianal sensation; spinal cord compression or cauda equina syndrome. (Neurological history and examination)

Study material on Spinal Cord Compression

• Spinal cord compression

Related topics

• Cauda Equina
• Neurological History
• Spinal Cord
• Superior Vena Cava Obstruction
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Superior Vena Cava
• Differential Diagnosis
• Kaposi Sarcoma
• Complications and Prognosis
• Red Flags