Spinal cord compression
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Spinal cord compression is "acute and chronic conditions characterized by external mechanical compression of the spinal cord due to extramedullary neoplasm; epidural abscess; spinal fractures; bony deformities of the vertebral bodies; and other conditions. Clinical manifestations vary with the anatomic site of the lesion and may include localized pain, weakness, sensory loss, incontinence, and impotence.."[1]
Diagnosis
Physical examination
On physical examination, the most sensitive findings are:[2]
- Hyperreflexia 94%
- Hoffmann reflex ("flexion of the ipsilateral thumb and/or index finger was considered as positive") 81%
- Babinski sign 53%
- Ankle clonus 35%
References
- ↑ Anonymous (2023), Spinal cord compression (English). Medical Subject Headings. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- ↑ Chikuda H, Seichi A, Takeshita K, Shoda N, Ono T, Matsudaira K et al. (2010). "Correlation between pyramidal signs and the severity of cervical myelopathy.". Eur Spine J 19 (10): 1684-9. DOI:10.1007/s00586-010-1364-3. PMID 20229121. PMC PMC2989225. Research Blogging.