What symptom is NOT typically associated with a lesion in the conus medullaris?

What symptom is NOT typically associated with a lesion in the conus medullaris?

• A. Urinary retention
• B. Flaccid paralysis in lower limbs
• C. Severe back pain
• D. Visual disturbances

Answer: (D)

A lesion in the conus medullaris affects the lower spinal cord, which is critical for motor and sensory functions in the lower limbs and pelvic organs. When considering the symptoms associated with a conus medullaris lesion, urinary retention is common due to loss of bladder control, and flaccid paralysis in the lower limbs can occur because of disrupted nerve signals. Severe back pain may also be a symptom, particularly if the lesion is secondary to a compressive process like a tumor or disc herniation. In contrast, visual disturbances are not typically linked to conus medullaris lesions. Visual symptoms are more associated with lesions affecting the optic pathways or brain regions responsible for vision. Therefore, the presence of visual disturbances does not align with the expected clinical picture of conus medullaris involvement, which primarily affects lower body and pelvic organ function.

A lesion in the conus medullaris affects the lower spinal cord, which is critical for motor and sensory functions in the lower limbs and pelvic organs. When considering the symptoms associated with a conus medullaris lesion, urinary retention is common due to loss of bladder control, and flaccid paralysis in the lower limbs can occur because of disrupted nerve signals. Severe back pain may also be a symptom, particularly if the lesion is secondary to a compressive process like a tumor or disc herniation.

In contrast, visual disturbances are not typically linked to conus medullaris lesions. Visual symptoms are more associated with lesions affecting the optic pathways or brain regions responsible for vision. Therefore, the presence of visual disturbances does not align with the expected clinical picture of conus medullaris involvement, which primarily affects lower body and pelvic organ function.