neurologic disorders
Spinal Cord Infarction
Key Points
Spinal cord infarction results from injury to an extravertebral feeder artery or the aorta (eg, due to atherosclerosis, dissection, or clamping during surgery) more often than from intrinsic spinal artery disorders. It causes sudden pain in the back with tightness radiating circumferentially, followed within minutes by segmental bilateral flaccid weakness and sensory loss; pain and temperature sensation are disproportionately impaired. A central cord syndrome is also possible. Diagnose using MRI. If possible, treat the cause; otherwise, treat supportively. 