Spinal cord compression: Need for high index of suspicion

ABSTRACT

Spinal cord compression in its different forms may be an elusive diagnosis and can result in permanent paraplegia. We present a case of spinal cord compression in a 40 year old female with back pain and progressive gait abnormalities. Patients may present to primary care physicians, who need to maintain a high index of suspicion for spinal cord compression in appropriate settings. History and physical examination can lead to diagnosis and management thus preventing major morbidity. The list of differentials is long and varied, but a judicious history and detailed examination can narrow it down to a few, enabling, appropriate and cost effective investigations and urgent referral to the correct speciality