A nursing intervention for early detection of spinal cord compressions in patients with cancer.

This article reviews the current literature regarding spinal cord compression including its prevalence and presenting signs and symptoms; increases an awareness of the potentially severe effects of spinal cord compression; and describes a model for patient educational intervention focusing on early warning signs of spinal cord compression. With increased understanding of the nature and effects of spinal cord compression, nurses may effectively intervene to minimize the severity of the neurological deficits.