Epicon syndrome

A spinal area called the epiconus is located just above the end of the spinal cord at the level of the L1 vertebral body. Epicon syndrome involves involvement of the L4–S2 segments.

Etiology[edit | edit source]

Epicon syndrome is very rare, it arises either as a result of intraspinal expansion or traumatically.

Clinical picture[edit | edit source]

In epicon syndrome, we find impairment in the corresponding segments:

The main symptom is a limitation of DK mobility – external rotation and dorsiflexion in the hip (L4–S1) are weakened or disabled, as well as flexion in the knee joints (L4–S2), reflexes are extinguished (L5–S2),
The patellar reflex remains preserved (L2–L4)
The hearing impairment is more of a dispersed character in dermatomes L4 and L5 – on the back of the DK and from the knee acrally,
A partial malfunction of the sphincter function occurs - there is no complete incontinence of urine and stool, but the bladder and ampoule are emptied only reflexively (spinal, automatic bladder),
As far as sexual functions are concerned, erectile dysfunction, generally occurs, but paradoxically, priapism without the ability to ejaculate is sometimes described,
In the affected area due to the loss of neurotrophic action, the innervation of the sweat glands is disturbed - skin lesions and pressure sores develop easily.

Links[edit | edit source]

Source[edit | edit source]

BENEŠ, Jiří. Studijní materiály [online]. ©2007. [cit. 2010]. <http://www.jirben.wz.cz/>.

NEUROLOGICKÁ KLINIKA 1. LF UK A VFN V PRAZE,. Neurologie – E-learning [online]. [cit. 2014-02-07]. <https://www.neuro.lf1.cuni.cz/vyuka/index.php?page=edu_elearning>.

References[edit | edit source]

NEVŠÍMALOVÁ, Soňa – RŮŽIČKA, Evžen – TICHÝ, Jiří. Neurologie. 1. edition. Galén, 2002. 0 pp. ISBN 80-7262-160-2.

AMBLER, Zdeněk. Základy neurologie. 6. edition. Galén, 2006. ISBN 80-7262-433-4.