Spinal cord compression physical examination

Spinal Cord Compression Microchapters
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] ; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Ganti M.B.B.S. [2]

Physical Examination

General Appearance

• Patients may appear in acute distress due to back pain

Vital signs

• Low BP in case of neurogenic shock
• Hypothermia

Back

• Point tenderness at the site of compression
• Decreased range of motion

Neurologic

• Paralysis of limbs below the level of compression
• Decreased sensation below the level of compression
• Lhermitte's sign (intermittent shooting electrical sensation)
• Hyperreflexia may be present.
• Babinski sign positive