Acute spinal cord compression paralysis

✓ The author believes that mechanical deformation rather than anoxia causes spinal cord compression paralysis. The outlook for recovery of function is therefore better than it would be if anoxia were the cause. Recovery from immediate complete sensorimotor paralysis with spinal subarachnoid block may occur if laminectomy is prompt. Patients suffering from incomplete compressive sensorimotor paralysis may recover without laminectomy, which should be done only if there is no improvement or progressive loss of function in spite of conservative treatment. The preservation of pain sensation in patients with motor paralysis following acute cord compression is a favorable prognostic sign.