thoracic

Last reviewed 01/2018

The motor and reflex changes secondary to thoracic cord compression depend on the level of the lesion:

Midthoracic:

  • paralysis of intercostal muscles
  • upper motor neurone signs in the lower limbs

T9-T10 lesion:

  • loss of abdominal reflexes
  • upward displacement of umbilicus
  • upper motor neurone signs in the lower limbs

T12-L1 lesion:

  • loss of cremasteric reflex
  • normal abdominal reflexes
  • upper motor neurone signs in the lower limbs