Video - Spinal cord disorders: Pathology review

The spinal cord is a delicate and complex structure that runs from the brain down the center of the back. Some common spinal cord disorders include Spinal cord injury, which occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord from trauma; Spinal cord tumors, which refers to growths that develop within the spinal cord and can cause pressure on the spinal cord; spinal cord infarction, which is the loss of blood flow to the spinal cord, causing damage to the tissue; degenerative spinal disorders, which include conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated disc, osteoarthritis); and infections and abscesses. Symptoms vary according to etiology but include fever, pain, weakness, loss of sensation, and paralysis.