Spinal cord compression is diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and imaging studies. Laboratory studies play a minimal role in diagnosing spinal cord compression expect in accessing the patient’s condition preoperatively and to exclude any infection.

Spinal cord compression is diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and imaging studies. Laboratory studies like CBC, CSF, clotting studies and electrolyte exam helpful in excluding infection as a cause and are employed preoperatively.^[1]

• CBC shows increased neutrophil count in cases of infection.
• ESR and CRP may be elevated.
• Blood and CSF cultures are positive in case of an epidural abscess or osteomyelitis.
• Tumor biopsy positive for malignant cells if compression of spinal cord is due to malignancy.
• Urodynamic studies reveal reduced bladder contractility and sphincter dysfunction.