EM Cases · Spinal cord compression
Malignant spinal cord compression — clinical management station
ACEM OSCE station: MSCC recognition, dexamethasone dose, whole-spine MRI, parallel neurosurgery/oncology.
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Study tools
Target exams
ACEMFRCEMABEMFRCPCCCFPEMEBEEM
Prompt
Metastatic cancer, nocturnal back pain, new bilateral leg weakness — steroids and urgent MRI.
Station brief
Format. Clinical-management, 11 minutes.
References2ShowHide
- [1]Patchell RA, Tibbs PA, Regine WF, et al. Direct decompressive surgical resection in the treatment of spinal cord compression caused by metastatic cancer: a randomised trial. Lancet, 2005.PMID 16112300
- [2]Singer E, et al. Initial management and disposition of metastatic spinal cord compression in the emergency department: a review of the literature. Ann Med, 2025.PMID 41033840