brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Overview of Spinal Cord Disorders
Diagnosis of Spinal Cord Disorders
Physical examination Magnetic resonance imaging or myelography with computed tomography Often, doctors can recognize a spinal cord disorder based on its characteristic pattern of symptoms. Doctors always do a physical examination, which provides clues to the diagnosis and, if the spinal cord is damaged, helps doctors determine where the damage is. An imaging test is done to confirm the diagnosis and determine the cause. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most accurate imaging test for spinal cord disorders. MRI shows the spinal cord, as well as abnormalities in the soft tissues around the cord (such as abscesses, hematomas, tumors, and ruptured disks) and in bone (such as tumors, fractures, and cervical spondylosis). If MRI is not available, Myelography with computed tomography (CT) is used. For myelography with CT, CT is done after a radiopaque contrast agent (which can be seen on x-rays) is injected into the space around the spinal cord. X-rays may be done to check for problems with the spine, such as fractures or tumors, but CT provides more information about bone and is generally preferred. People who suddenly lose sensation, experience weakness in one or more limbs, or develop incontinence should go to the emergency department immediately. 