title: Malignant Spinal Cord Compression: Adapting Conventional Rehabilitation Approaches.
abstract: Spinal tumors are classically grouped into 3 categories: extradural, intradural extramedullary, and intradural intramedullary. Spinal tumors may cause spinal cord compression and vascular compromise resulting in pain or neurologic compromise. They may also alter the architecture of the spinal column, resulting in spinal instability. Oncologic management of spinal tumors varies according to the stability of the spine, neurologic status, and presence of pain. Treatment options include surgical intervention, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormonal manipulation. When combined with this management, rehabilitation can serve to relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, enhance functional independence, and prevent further complications in patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Rehabilitation Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Sillerman Center for Rehabilitation, 515 Madison Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10022, USA; Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, 525 East 68th Street, New York, NY 10065, USA. Electronic address: rupperl1@mskcc.org.
authors.forename: Lisa Marie
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Ruppert
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D059408:Pain Management; D011788:Quality of Life; D013120:Spinal Cord Neoplasms / Q000534:rehabilitation*
keywords: Malignant spinal cord compression; Neoplastic spinal cord injury; Rehabilitation