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...

Full description

Saved in:

Bibliographic Details
Published in:	British journal of community nursing Vol. 20; no. 4; p. 162
Main Author:	Bowers, Ben
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
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
Online Access:	Get more information
Tags:	Add Tag No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!

Description
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