Intra-Dural Spinal Tumours with Acute Symptoms

Intra-Dural Spinal Tumours with Acute Symptoms are a rare, yet diverse group of neoplasms which may occur anywhere along the spinal neuroaxis. Their clinical presentations are typically slow and progressive in nature.

Signs and symptoms are dictated by tumour location and size and occur due to the sequelae of mass effect, oedema, ischaemia, and subsequent metabolic dysfunction of neural tissue occurring secondary to compression of neural elements and neural vasculature.

Back/neck pain and stiffness are the most common presenting complaints for patients with intra-dural spinal tumours. Further symptoms depend on the tumour's location. Lesions that compress or develop within the spinal cord are associated with upper motor neuron (myelopathic) signs and symptoms, whilst lesions compressing spinal nerves alone are associated with lower motor neuron (radicular) signs and symptoms. In some circumstances, a mixed picture of both upper and lower motor neuron symptoms may also be observed.