What is central cord syndrome caused by?
Central cord syndrome is usually the result of trauma that causes damage to the vertebrae in the neck or herniation of the vertebral discs.
What is traumatic central cord syndrome?
Central cord syndrome (CCS) is an incomplete traumatic injury to the cervical spinal cord – the portion of the spinal cord that runs through the bones of the neck. This injury results in weakness in the arms more so than the legs.
What is the hallmark indicator of central cord syndrome?
Central cord syndrome is characterized by a disproportionate motor impairment of the upper limbs, rather than the lower limbs, in addition to bladder dysfunction and varying degrees of sensory loss85.
Can you recover from central cord syndrome?
The prognosis for patients with central cord syndrome (CCS) who are aged less than 50 years is good. Within a short time, 97% of these individuals recover, regaining the ability to ambulate and complete self-care tasks. Only 17% of patients aged more than 50 years recover.
Does central cord syndrome require surgery?
It is generally accepted that surgical treatment is necessary for central cord syndrome (CCS) with an underlying cervical stenosis. As for CCS with evidence of significant spinal cord compression, we suggest performing surgery as soon as possible.
Why does central cord syndrome affect upper limbs?
A central cord syndrome is characterized by a more pronounced paralysis of the upper extremities compared to the lower extremities. It is caused by a lesion in the center of the cervical spinal cord involving the gray matter and the axons lying more central projecting to the motor neurons of the arms and upper body.
Why does central cord syndrome affect arms more than legs?
Because the motor fibers to the cervical segments are topographically arranged toward the center of the cord, damage to the central cord affects the arms and hands more severely than the lower extremities. The degree of sensory loss is variable.
