QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
The spinothalamic tracts are affected due to this patient having impaired pain and thermal sensation. However, the cyst has to be on the left-hand side as the spinothalamic tract decussates within the spinal cord. If the cyst was on the right-hand side, there would be symptoms on the left-hand side.
10023561
b
The spinothalamic tract on the right-hand side
QuestionChoice
The spinothalamic tracts are affected due to this patient having impaired pain and thermal sensation. It is on the left-hand side because the spinothalamic tract decussates within the spinal cord, meaning that the cyst will have to be on the left-hand side to cause right-hand symptoms.
10023560
a
The spinothalamic tract on the left-hand side
QuestionChoice
The dorsal column is responsible for vibration and proprioception. This patient has intact vibration sense so the tract affected is the spinothalamic tract. The cyst affects the left-hand side as the symptoms affect the right-hand side: the spinothalamic tracts decussated within the spinal cord, meaning the side affected is opposite to the side of the lesion.
10023562
c
The dorsal column on the left-hand side
QuestionChoice
The corticospinal tract is responsible for voluntary movements of the body. As this patient has normal limb movement, we can assume that this tract isn't affected. As the patient has reduced temperature and pain sensation, this indicates that the spinothalamic tract has been affected.
10023564
e
The corticospinal tract on the left-hand side
QuestionChoice
The dorsal column is responsible for vibration and proprioception. This patient has intact vibration sense so the tract affected is the spinothalamic tract. The cyst affects the left-hand side as the symptoms affect the right-hand side: the spinothalamic tracts decussated within the spinal cord, meaning the side affected is opposite to the side of the lesion. If the cyst was on the right-hand side, there would be symptoms on the left-hand side.
10023563
d
The dorsal column on the right-hand side
Concept
Chapter
2693
5685
Syringomyelia
Topic
141
Neurology
17110
A patient is referred to the neurology clinic after burning her right hand in hot water without realising it.

On examination, the patient has impaired pain and thermal sensation, but position and vibration sensation are both intact.

The neurologist suspects syringomyelia.

What tract is affected and which side of the spine has the cyst formed?
a