ASIA Impairment Scale

Question 1

Anterior Cord Syndrome

Answer 1

• incomplete lesion
• cervical flexion
• loss of motor function, pain, and temperature
• corticospinal and spinothalamic tracts

Question 2

Brown-Sequard’s Syndrome

Answer 2

• incomplete
• hemisection of the spinal cord
• paralysis, loss of vibration, and proprioception on the same side of the lesion (cortiospinal and dorsal columns)
• pain and temperature loss on opposite side of lesion (lateral spinothalamic tract)

Question 3

Cauda Equina Injuries

Answer 3

• below the level of L1
• complete or incomplete (more common)
• peripheral nerve injury
• flaccidity, areflexia, and B&B impairments

Question 4

Central Cord Syndrome

Answer 4

• incomplete
• cervical hyperextension
• damage to spinothalamic tract, corticospinal tract, and dorsal columns
• UE>LE
• motor > sensory

Question 5

Posterior Cord Syndrome

Answer 5

• loss of proprioception, two-point discrimination, and stereognosis
• motor function is preserved

Question 6

Homans’ Sign

Answer 6

test to confirm presence of a DVT

Question 7

C5-S1 Key Muscles Tested