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central cord syndrome (central cervical cord syndrome)
Etiology: trauma
Pathology:
1) incomplete cervical spinal cord injury
2) transmission of signals (afferent & efferent) between brain & the spinal cord below the site of trauma is affected but not entirely blocked
3) damage to the corticospinal tract
Clinical manifestations:
1) impairment in the arms & hands &, to a lesser extent, in the legs
2) paralysis &/or loss of fine control of movements
3) sensory loss below the site of the spinal injury
4) loss of bladder control may also occur
Management:
1) no cure; no standard course of treatment
2) glucocorticoids
2) surgery
3) rest
4) prognosis is variable
a) early treatment may improve outcome
b) recover substantial function after their initial injury
c) ability to walk is recovered in most of the cases, but some impairment may remain.
General
spinal cord injury (SCI)
syndrome
References
- NINDS Central Cord Syndrome Information Page
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/all-disorders/central-cord-syndrome-information-page