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An infarct of the spinal cord is technically considered a stroke
The most common risk factor is a recent aortic surgery. Can also occur with straining and lifting (rare)
Patients will present with symptoms of spinal cord involvement with a hyperacute onset (less than 4 hours)
Although the “classic” presentation is anterior cord syndrome (flaccid paralysis, dissociated sensory loss (pinprick and temperature), preserved dorsal column function), patients may present with loss of all functions below the level of infarct due to spinal shock, confusing the clinical picture.
The most common level is T10
References
Rabinstein AA. Vascular myelopathies. Continuum (Minneap Minn). 2015;21(1 Spinal Cord Disorders):67-83.