Recognising metastatic spinal cord compression

Metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) is a potentially life changing oncological emergency. Neurological function and quality of life can be preserved if patients receive an early diagnosis and rapid access to acute interventions to prevent or reduce nerve damage. Symptoms include developing spi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inBritish journal of community nursing Vol. 20; no. 4; p. 162
Main Author Bowers, Ben
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England 01.04.2015
Subjects
Back Pain - etiology
Back Pain - nursing
Community Health Nursing - methods
Early Diagnosis
Humans
Practice Guidelines as Topic
Spinal Cord Compression - diagnosis
Spinal Cord Compression - etiology
Spinal Cord Compression - nursing
Spinal Neoplasms - complications
Spinal Neoplasms - diagnosis
Spinal Neoplasms - nursing
Spinal Neoplasms - secondary
Community nursing
Metastatic spinal cord compression
Spinal metastases
Oncological emergency
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Summary:Metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) is a potentially life changing oncological emergency. Neurological function and quality of life can be preserved if patients receive an early diagnosis and rapid access to acute interventions to prevent or reduce nerve damage. Symptoms include developing spinal pain, numbness or weakness in arms or legs, or unexplained changes in bladder and bowel function. Community nurses are well placed to pick up on the 'red flag' symptoms of MSCC and ensure patients access prompt, timely investigations to minimise damage.
ISSN:1462-4753
DOI:10.12968/bjcn.2015.20.4.162