Articles » Injuries » Injuries of the torso » Serious Spinal Pathology

Possible Serious Spinal Pathology

What it Effects

• The spinal cord

Who it Effects

• Potentially anybody

Mechanism of Injury

• Possible violent trauma
• Tumour

Signs and Symptoms

• Constant and progressive pain
• Suspicious clinical features
• Pain that has not settled at all in six weeks
• Red flags
  • Bi lateral neurological signs
  • Gross weakness in legs
  • Saddle anaesthesia (numbness in the area that would touch a saddle)
  • Bladder or bowel problems especially urine retention
  • Violent trauma
  • Past medical history of cancer
  • Dramatic weight loss
  • Under the age of 20yrs or above the age of 55yrs

Treatment

• In the case of red flags seek medical advice immediately due to the possibility of conditions such as Cauda Equina or a spinal tumour

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