BMJ Best Practice Podcast Spinal cord compression: an update on diagnosis and management
15 snips
Feb 27, 2023 AI Snips
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Five Main Causes And Two Compression Mechanisms
- Causes cluster as bone (spondylosis), disc, metastatic tumour, infection, or haemorrhage.
- Compression may be mechanical or via compromised arterial blood supply causing cord ischemia.
Ice-Skater With Overnight Cauda Equina
- A young woman fell ice‑skating then developed urinary retention overnight from a large ruptured lumbar disc.
- Her delayed worsening emphasises that acute cauda equina can progress rapidly and require emergency care.
Look For Metastasis In New Neurological Back Pain
- Suspect metastatic compression when cancer patients develop new back pain or neurological change; roughly 5–10% are affected.
- Assess for vertebral body involvement and venous plexus tumour spread to guide management.