Spinal Cord Compression

Consider in all patients with cancer and back pain, especially if accompanied by resistance to analgesia, sensory loss, alteration in bladder or bowel function, limb weakness or lack of co-ordination.
If cord compression is suspected, give dexamethasone 16 mg stat PO or IV and cover with omeprazole (prior to investigation) and refer immediately to on-call Radiation Oncologist.
30% of cases of spinal cord compression involve multiple levels, so MRI of the whole spine should be requested.


Information about this CDHB document (1559):
Document Owner:	Blue Book Editorial Committee (see Who's Who)
Issue Date:	December 2013
Next Review:	December 2015
Keywords:
Note: Only the electronic version is controlled. Once printed, this is no longer a controlled document.
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Topic Code: 1559