Spinal Tumors Localization : Mnemonics

Intradural Intramedullary Spinal Tumors

Mnemonic: I HEAL

1. Infarction
2. Hemangioblastoma
3. Ependymoma
4. Astrocytoma
5. Lipoma

Intradural Extramedullary Spinal Tumors

Mnemonic: MNM

1. Meningioma (25%)
2. Nerve sheath tumors (35%)
3. Metastases

Extradural Spinal Tumors

Lesions outside the thecal sac are categorized as extradural lesions. Remember that everything that isn’t in the thecal sac is extradural, including discs, bones, nerves, and blood vessels.