A 20-year-old lady presents to the doctor with many burns on her hands. She claims that she frequently gets burnt when cooking, especially while using the oven. Additionally, she has burnt herself while grabbing her morning cup of coffee and while checking the shower's water temperature. The patient is worried because she struggles to tell when something is "very hot" and frequently doesn't realize she has burns until she examines her hands. She has no significant past medical history, no recent illnesses, and no sick contacts. Her only noteworthy surgical history is the removal of her impacted wisdom teeth from a year ago. The patient does not use illegal substances, occasionally consumes alcohol, and has never smoked. Her mother's mother has multiple sclerosis, thus her family history is important. Upon examination, the upper back, shoulders, and arms exhibit lessened pinprick and warmth feeling on both sides. The senses of light touch, location, and vibration remain retained. Lower extremity examination is uneventful. Which of the following spinal cord injuries is most likely to be to blame for the symptoms this patient is experiencing?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: The creation of a cavity (syrinx) in the cervical area of the spinal cord is a defining feature of syringomyelia. The ventral white commissure is harmed by the syrinx, which results in bilateral loss of pain and temperature sensitivity that is only present at the afflicted levels (usually the arms and hands); distal sensibility is intact. Flaccid paralysis and atrophy of the intrinsic hand muscles ensue from the death of the motor neurons in the ventral horns (caused by the expansion of the syrinx).

A 20-Year-Old Lady Presents to the Doctor with Many Burns