Spinal cord compression (non-traumatic)

Background

• Most often from cancer

Diagnosis

• MRI is study of choice
  • If unavailable consider CT myelography

Treatment

1. Consult neurosurgery and/or rad onc
2. Corticosteroid therapy
   1. Dexamethasone (4 to 100 mg)
   2. Consider emergent radiation, surgical intervention, and/or chemo therapy

Disposition

• Admit

See Also

• Spinal Cord Trauma
• Spinal Column Injuries (Cervical)
• Neurogenic Shock

Source

DONALDSON 9/07 (Adapted from Lampe, Hockberger, Brower, and Mistry)