Occur most often in the thoracic area the pathologic

 Occur most often in the thoracic area
 The pathologic effects of a spinal cord tumor are more often related to
compression of the cord rather than the tumor itself.
o A large tumor may affect the blood supply to the cord causing
ischemia or obstruct the normal flow of CSF
 A rapidly growing tumor quickly leads to spinal cord compression,
edema, and the development of neurologic symptoms, such as
numbness and paralysis.
 Primary tumors – cause is unknown. May be intramedullary or
extramedullary.
o Intramedullary – within the cord. Usually cancerous and grow
rapidly and invasively
o Extramedullary – 90% of the spinal cord tumors. Found within the
spinal dura but outside the cord.
 Extradural (epidural) – between the vertebrae and spinal
dura
 Intradural – wintin the dura
 Most do not exhibit signs of uncontrolled growth and organ
invasion of cancerous tumors
 Most common problem is non-mechanical back pain that results from
spinal cord compression, infiltration of the spinal tracts, or irritation of
the spinal roots.
o Radicular (nerve root) pain is stabbing or dull, with intermittent
episodes of sharp, piercing pain.
 Report any changes in motor and sensory status immediately to the
HCP or RRT. Swelling or tumor invasion can damage the spinal nerves
that help control the diaphragm, and RF can result.
NEUROLOGIC ASSESSMENT
The spinal cord controls body movement (mobility); regulates organ function;
processes sensory information from the extremities, trunk, and many internal
organs; and transmits information to and from the brain.
The peripheral nervous system is composed of the spinal nerves, cranial
nerves, and autonomic nerves.
 Each nerve has a posterior and an anterior branch. The posterior
branch carries sensory information to the cord. The anterior branch
transmits motor impulses (mobility) to the muscles of the body.

Any problems that affect the nerves, bones, muscles, and joints also affect
motor and therefore ADL ability.
History:
 During introduction, note the patient’s appearance and assess his or
her speech, affect, and movement.
 Inquire about the ability to perform ADLs
 Ask about family history
Physical History:
 Compare each assessment with the patient’s baseline, as well as
between right and left sides and between upper and lower extremities.
Complete Neuro Assessment:
 A complete neurologic assessment includes a history and evaluation of
mental status, cranial nerves, mobility and motor system function,
deep tendon reflexes, sensation, and cerebellar function.
*Be aware that a change in level of consciousness and orientation is an early
and reliable indication that central neurologic function has declined!
Remote Memory = Long-Term
Recall Memory = Recent
Immediate Memory = New
Assessment of Sensory Function:
 The assessment of sensory function is done for patients with problems
affecting the spinal cord or spinal nerves.