Spinal cord compression

Guidelines for the management of malignant spinal cord compression

• Overview of the management of spinal cord compression due to metastatic cancer.

Information for patients

• Spinal Cord Compression: what it means and how it can be treated
• Spinal Cord Compression: What you need to know

Investigation and management of spinal cord compression

• Guidelines for investigations
• Guidelines for assessment of spinal stability
• Guidelines for assessment and management of patients requiring hard cervical collars
• Guidelines for surgical referral and management
• Guidelines for radiation therapy

Symptomatic and supportive care

• Guidelines on steroid usage
• Guidelines on pain management
• Guidelines on management of bowel function
• Guidelines on thromboprophylaxis

Nursing care plans

• Nursing care

Complementary therapy

• Complementary therapy

Rehabilitation and discharge

• Guidelines on mobilisation and rehabilitation
• Motor and sensory assessment (pre & post treatment) / Outcome (on MEDWAY)
• Guidelines on discharge planning
• Guidelines and discharge information for patients on reduction of steroid dose
• Discharge check list / Transfer form (on MEDWAY)

APPENDIX:

• Spinal cord compression alert: guide to early recognition and rapid response (Primary Care)
• ASIA Scale