Diseases of the Spinal Cord

The spinal cord is a long structure, conslstmg of white and grey matter, that not only serves to provide a neural connection between the brain and the body, but also contains neural circuits that are organized segmentally and that are responsive to central and peripheral sensory input. Thus the spinal cord is capable of some behavioural activity that is of clinical significance, and that is more evident when higher modulation is disturbed. The released activity of spasticity, and the disturbances of bladder and bowel control that occur in patients with spinal cord lesions are examples. The spinal cord is well protected within its bony canal but is, nonetheless, susceptible to compression by degenerative joint or bone disease, or by neoplasm. Spinal cord compression is a common clinical problem that is not always easy to recognize. However, it is particularly important because of the good re- sults of appropriate treatment and the unfortunate consequences should the diagnosis be missed. Many other medical and surgical disorders affect the spinal cord, including vascular disease, decom- pression sickness, degenerative disorders and multiple sclerosis. In this book Dr. Critchley and Dr. Eisen, and their col- laborators, chosen for their expertise and experience in spinal cord disorders, have gathered together descriptions of the symp- toms and signs of spinal cord disease.