When to suspect spinal cord lesions in the elderly.
Motor or sensory disturbance in the lower extremities--sometimes with gait disturbance--is the most common symptom of spinal cord disease. History and examination may localize the lesion, but spine x-rays and myelography usually are necessary to determine its cause. The most common causes of cord compression in the elderly are spondylosis and neoplasm. Compressive lesions are usually treated by surgery. Once compression has been excluded and diagnosis established, treatment should be directed toward the underlying disorder.
D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D013128:Spinal Osteophytosis / Q000150:complications