What are the 2 big spinal emergencies?
Acute cord compression
Cauda equina
What does acute cord compression present with?
Bilateral back + radicular pain
LMN signs
UMN signs
Where will the LMN signs be shown?
A level of compressiom
Where will the UMN signs be shown?
Below level of compression
What are the symptoms of cauda equina?
Loss of anal tone
Incontinence
Saddle anaesthesia
Bilateral/alternating radiculopathy
What is the treatment of acute cord compression/cauda equina?
Depends on the cause