neurologic disorders
Spinal Cord Compression
Treatment of Spinal Cord Compression
Relief of compression Treatment of spinal cord compression is directed at relieving pressure on the cord. Incomplete or very recent complete loss of function may be reversible, but complete loss of function rarely is; thus,for acute compression, diagnosis and treatment must occur immediately. If compression causes neurologic deficits or pain, IVdexamethasone, typically 10 mg, is given immediately, followed by 16 mg orally per day in divided doses. Surgery or radiation therapy. is done immediately. Surgery is indicated in the following cases: Neurologic deficits worsen despite nonsurgical treatment. A biopsy is needed. The spine is unstable. Tumors recur after radiation therapy. An abscess or a subdural or epidural hematoma is compressing the spinal cord. 