Other Spinal Cord Disorders

anterior cord syndrome

incomplete cord syndrome that predominantly affects the anterior 2/3 of the spinal cord, characteristically resulting in motor paralysis below the level of the lesion as well as the loss of pain and temperature at and below the level of the lesion. Other sensations are usually preserved.

anterior cord syndrome causes

ischemia within the anterior spinal artery (ASA), which supplies blood to the anterior ⅔ of the spinal cord.

The most common cause of anterior cord syndrome medical treatment/intervention (iatrogenic), namely thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

cauda equina syndrome

occurs when the bundle of nerves that extends from the bottom of the spinal cord is compressed or damaged. most common cause is a herniated disk (pretty common). Surgery is often needed to relieve pressure and pain relievers and corticosteroids are used to relieve pain.

cauda equina syndrome symptoms

severe pain in the lower back, urinary problems (such as incontinence). and loss of sensation in the buttocks, genital area, bladder, and rectum.

cauda equina

bundle of nerve fibers in sacral area of back

central cord syndrome

Most common “incomplete SCI” and is usually the result of trauma that causes damage to the vertebrae in the neck or herniation of the vertebral discs that surround the spinal cord. 

It also may develop in people over age 50 due to gradual weakening of the vertebrae and discs, which narrows the spinal column and may contribute to compression of the spinal cord when the neck is hyperextended.

central cord syndrome symptoms

Paralysis or loss of fine control of movements in the arms and hands, with relatively less impairment of leg movements. (almost the reverse of SCI)

Loss of or change in sensation below the site of the injury, painful sensations such as tingling, burning, or dull ache.

Loss of bladder control

brown-Sequard syndrome

A rare neurological condition that creates a lesion in the spinal cord. 

brown-Sequard syndrome symptoms

Contrary to conventional spinal cord injury that leaves most victims paralyzed on both sides of their body, this results in weakness or paralysis (hemiparaplegia) on one side of the body and a loss of sensation (hemianesthesia) on the opposite side.

brown-Sequard causes

spinal cord tumor, trauma or puncture wound to the back or neck, obstruction of a blood vessels, infectious or inflammatory diseases such as tuberculosis, or multiple sclerosis.

transverse myelitis

inflammation of the spinal cord coming and going across one level of the spinal cord. Although some people recover with minor or no residual problems, the healing process may take months to years. Most people have at least partial recovery, with most recovery taking place within the first three months after the attack. Other people may have permanent impairments that affect their ability to perform ordinary tasks of daily living. Some people will have only one episode, but others may have a recurrence, especially if an underlying illness caused the disorder.

transverse myelitis symptoms

weakness of the legs and arms, pain, sensory alterations, bowel and bladder dysfunction.

transverse myelitis causes

Multiple sclerosis, autoimmune response to cancers and vaccines, viral infections (herpes, varicella, influenza, echovirus, hepatitis B, mumps, measles, and rubella); bacterial infections (syphilis, tuberculosis, pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria, and lyme disease); fungal infections; parasites.

guillan barre syndrome (GBS)

characterized by the rapid onset of numbness, weakness, and often paralysis of the legs, arms, breathing muscles, and face. Paralysis is ascending, meaning that it travels up the limbs from fingers and toes towards the torso. people usually recover

guillan barre syndrome causes

unknown, but 60-80% of cases occur shortly after a microbial infection (viral or bacterial), some as simple and common as the flu or food poisoning.  

Some theories suggest an autoimmune trigger, in which the patient’s defense system of antibodies and white blood cells are called into action against the body, damaging myelin (nerve covering or insulation), leading to numbness and weakness.

MS and spinal cord

not a spinal cord injury, but it may present like one and treatment is similar. patients may stay on a spinal cord injury unit

MS important info

Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50. not an inherited disease, meaning it is not a disease that is passed down from generation to generation, but there are specific  genes that have small factors. Evidence shows that low vitamin D levels, smoking and obesity all play important roles in the development of MS, but no clear cause. Many viruses and bacteria have been or are being investigated in connection with MS as well. 1 million people are living with MS in the United States. more prevalent in females than males

MS

multiple sclerosis. deterioration of myelin sheath, interrupting nerve signals

MS symptoms

remission and relapse, but may become progressive. fatigue, numbness or tingling, walking difficulties, vision issues, and muscle spasms

MS types

Relapsing Remitting (85% of people), Secondary Progressive, Primary Progressive

MS and treatment goals

stop the progression of the disease and to restore what has been lost.

what exacerbates MS symptoms

Hot environments, outdoors and water

ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (sometimes called Lou Gehrig’s disease), is a rapidly progressive, invariably fatal neurological disease. it kills motor neurons and muscles become weak until they die (eventually reach muscles of lungs and heart and such). progresses really quickly

ALS symptoms

When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. When voluntary muscle action is progressively affected, people may lose the ability to speak, eat, move, grasp, and breathe.

ALS and treatment

focuses on making environments accessible and adaptable for progression (adaptations and technology)

ALS stats

For about 90% of all cases, there’s no known family history of the disease or presence of a genetic mutation linked to ALS.

For 5-10% of all cases, there’s a known family history of the disease. This is often called familial ALS.

In families with familial ALS, there is a 50% chance each offspring will inherit the gene mutation and may develop the disease.

The average life expectancy after diagnosis is 2-5.

veterans

more likely to get ALS and MS (not sure why)

ALS diagnosis

by ruling out other diseases, which may take months or even years