A person's presentation in context of trauma or non-traumatic background determines suspicion for a<unk> . The features are namely paralysis, sensory loss, or both at any level. Other symptoms may include incontinence. A radiographic evaluation using an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI can determine if there is damage to the<unk>  column and where it is located. X-rays are commonly available and can detect instability or misalignment of the<unk>  column, but do not give very detailed images and can miss<unk> es to the<unk> <unk>  or displacement of ligaments or disks that do not have accompanying<unk>  column damage. Thus when X-ray findings are normal but<unk>  is still suspected due to pain or<unk>  symptoms, CT or MRI scans are used. CT gives greater detail than X-rays, but exposes the patient to more radiation, and it still does not give images of the<unk> <unk>  or ligaments; MRI shows body structures in the greatest detail. Thus it is the standard for anyone who has neurological deficits found in<unk>  or is thought to have an unstable<unk>  column<unk> . Neurological evaluations to help determine the degree of impairment are performed initially and repeatedly in the early stages of treatment; this determines the rate of improvement or deterioration and informs treatment and prognosis. The ASIA Impairment Scale outlined above is used to determine the level and severity of<unk> .
Spinal cord injury
Spinal tumor
Vascular myelopathy
Posterior cord syndrome
Basal ganglia disease
Spinal disease
Syringomyelia
Central cord syndrome