title: Recognising metastatic spinal cord compression.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Community Cancer Nurse Specialist, Queen's Nurse, Community Cancer Support Team, Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust.
authors.forename: Ben
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bowers
mesh_terms: D001416:Back Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing*; D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing*; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing / Q000556:secondary*
keywords: Community nursing; Metastatic spinal cord compression; Oncological emergency; Spinal metastases