Spinal cord compression

Can occur as a result of spine trauma, vertebral compression fracture, intervertebral disc herniation, primary or metastatic spinal tumour, or infection.

The resulting spinal cord injury may be acute, sub-acute, or chronic and occurs due to direct cord damage, by compression and/or infiltration, or by compromise of the vascular supply to the cord.

Diagnosis is made by x-ray or MRI of the spine, but spinal cord injury may occur with no findings on imaging.

Acute spinal cord compression (SCC) is a medical emergency that requires swift diagnosis and treatment to prevent irreversible spinal cord injury and long-term disability.

Treatment of acute SCC may include corticosteroids, surgery, or radiotherapy.

Spinal cord compression (SCC) results from processes that compress or displace arterial, venous, and cerebrospinal fluid spaces, as well as the cord itself. This can occur as a result of extrinsic causes and lesions, or intrinsic aetiologies of the cord substance. Examples include trauma or tumour affecting the cord substance, and lesions that compromise cord function emanating from surrounding elements or vascular sources. The presenting symptoms are a result of spinal cord injury (SCI) or root dysfunction and include paresis, sensory changes or loss of sensation, sphincter dysfunction (urinary or anal), and erectile problems. Diagnosis is made by x-ray, CT or MRI of the spine, but SCI due to SCC can occur with no findings on imaging, a situation termed SCI without roentgen abnormality (SCIWORA).