Transcript Spinal Cord Compression

Spinal Cord Compression
By: Sharon Sanders, Stacy Webb,
Tonya Miller, Adrianne Rice & Lynn
Davenport
More Commonly Seen In
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Breast
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Prostate
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Lung
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Myeloma
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Kidney
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Lymphoma
Spinal Cord Compression in Three Main Areas
Thoracic
70%
Lumbosacral
20%
Cervical
10%
Table 1. Symptoms of Spinal Cord
Compression, by Tumor
Location
mergency
Medscape]
Location
Signs and Symptoms
Cervical spine
Headache or neck, shoulder, or arm pain
Breathing difficulties
Loss of sensation in the arms
Muscle weakness in the neck, trunk, arms, and hands
Paralysis involving the neck, trunk, arms, and hands
Thoracic spine
Pain in the chest and/or back
Loss of sensation below the level of the tumor
Increased sensation above the level of the tumor
Muscle weakness
Paralysis
Positive Babinski reflex
Bladder and bowel problems
Sexual dysfunction
Lumbosacral spine
Low back pain that may radiate down the legs and/or perineal area
Weakness in the legs and feet
Paralysis in the legs and feet
Loss of sensation in the legs and feet
Bladder and bowel problems
Sexual dysfunction
Foot drop
Decreased or absent reflexes in the legs
Priority Assessments
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Inflammation
Edema
Venous Stasis
Impaired Blood Supply to Nervous
Tissues
Pain
Diagnostic Assessment
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Percussion Tenderness at the Level of Compression
Abnormal Reflexes
Sensory and Motor Abnormalities
MRI
Myelogram
Spinal Cord X-Rays
Bone Scans
CT Scans
Spinal Tap
Needle Biopsy
Treatment Goal
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Pain Control
Reduce/Prevent nerve damage
Avoid Complications
High Dose Corticosteroids
Radiation Therapy
Biphosphates ( to reduce pathological fractures
and bone pain)
Nursing Diagnosis
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Disturbed Sensory Perception
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Acute /Chronic Pain
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Impaired Physical Mobility
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Ineffective Individual Coping
Nursing Interventions
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Ongoing assessment of neurological
function
Pain Medications as Ordered
Prevent Complications of Immobility
Provide Encouragement and Support to
Patient & Family
Outcome
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Depends on the Severity and Rapidity of
Onset
Poor Neurological Function Before
Treatment/Less Likely to Regain
Complete Function
Complete Paralysis/Usually don’t Regain
complete Neurological Function