Tumours at the spinocranial junction: some clinical and electromyographic aspects in relation to the symptomatology.

On the basis of six cases of a tumour at the spinocranial junction, the clinical symptomatology is discussed with special reference to the occurrence of astereognosis and amyotrophy of the hand muscles. Possible mechanisms underlying these symptoms are discussed. In the authors' opinion, the frequent association of these symptoms is explained by the association of two pathogenic mechanisms, i.e., compression of the posterior column or interference with the arterial blood flow to the medial lemniscus, leading to astereognosis, and interference with the venous blood flow, leading to amyotrophy of the hand muscles.