Central Cord Syndrome

The central cord syndrome was first described in 1954 (8). As its name implies, this is damage to the cen­tral area of the spinal cord. This most commonly hap­pens in the cervical region. Disruption of decussating spinothalamic fibers at the site of the lesion results in impaired pain and temperature sensation at those dermatomes. Dermatomes above and below the lesion may have normal sensation. As a lesion enlarges, dam­age may extend into the anterior horn cells and medial corticospinal tracts, causing weakness. Reflexes may be lost at the level of the lesion as well, with possible hyperreflexia at lower levels. As this is primarily a cer­vical syndrome, there are typically motor and sensory changes in the arms, with sparing of the legs, bowel, and bladder function.