Spinal cord compression (non-traumatic)

Background

Normally from cancer

Diagnosis

MRI, may get CT myelography

Treatment

1. Consult neurosurg and/or rad onch
2. Corticosteroid Therapy
   1. Normally 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)