CORD SYNDROME-CENTRAL CORD SYNDROME

SUMMARY

1. Most common incomplete SCI syndrome; occurs in the elderly with cervical spondylosis who sustain hyper-extension injury from a fall.

2. Produces sacral sensory sparing, UL weakness > LL weakness with variable loss of sensation, bowel & bladder function.

3. Etiology: AP compression by bulging ligamentum flavum. Pathology: predominant white-matter injury. Intramedullary hemorrhage is uncommon.

4. Recovery: LL limbs ⟹ bowel & bladder ⟹ proximal UL ⟹ distal hand function.

5. Prognosis: age below 50 is a key positive prognostic indicator of functional recovery.

Reference(s)

Cifu, D.X. (2020). Braddom’s physical medicine and rehabilitation. Elsevier. Get it on Amazon.
Cuccurullo, S. (2019). Physical medicine and rehabilitation board review. New York: Demosmedical. Get it on Amazon.
O’Young, B., Young, M.A. and Stiens, S.A. (2008). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Secrets. Mosby. Get it on Amazon.