Acute spinal cord compression (SCC) is rare, difficult to diagnose, and likely to result in devastating, irreversible neurological outcomes if not treated in a timely manner. This project aimed to 1) identify clinician perceptions and impressions of SCC diagnostic indicators and risk factors; 2) coalesce SCC diagnostic indicators and risk factors described in the literature; and 3) compare the above elements. The goal of this project is to optimize the SCC alert within the electronic health record system and to update the emergency department’s protocol.
References
1.
AdamsRSalam-AdamsM. Chronic nontraumatic diseases of the spinal cord. Neurol Clin1991; 9:605-23.
2.
Helweg-LarsenS. Clinical outcome in metastatic spinal cord compression. A prospective study of 153 patients, Acta Neurol Scand, 1996, vol. 94 (pg. 269-75)
3.
LevackPGrahamJCollieD. Scottish Cord Compression Study Group. Don't wait for a sensory level– listen to the symptoms: a prospective audit of the delays in diagnosis of malignant cord compression, Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol), 2002, vol. 14 (pg. 472-80)
4.
McKinleyWOSeelRTHardmanJT. Nontraumatic spinal cord injury: incidence, epidemiology, and functional outcome. Arch Phys Med Rehabil1999; 80:619-23.
5.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence: Metastatic spinal cord compression: diagnosis and management of patients at risk of or with metastatic spinal cord compression. Full guideline.