brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Spinal Tumors
Symptoms of Spinal Tumors
Symptoms are caused by pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. Pressure on the spinal cord may cause the following: Back pain that progressively worsens, becomes worse at night, and may lessen when people awaken and move around Decreased sensation, progressive weakness, or paralysis in areas controlled by the parts of the spinal cord below the part that is compressed Erectile dysfunction Loss of bladder and bowel control Pressure on the spinal cord may also block the blood supply to the cord, resulting in death of tissue and swelling. The swelling may block more of the blood supply, leading to more tissue death in a vicious circle of damage. Symptoms due to pressure on the spinal cord can worsen quickly. Pressure on spinal nerve roots can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in areas supplied by the compressed nerve root. Pain may radiate along the nerve whose root is compressed. If compression continues, the affected muscles may waste away. Walking may become difficult. 