CORD SYNDROMS

Question 1

CENTRAL CERVICAL CORD SYNDROME

Answer 1

central cervical cord syndrome
- Partial spinal cord transection
- Acute cord compression between bony bars or spurs
anteriorly and thickened ligamentum flavum posteriorly
associated with hyperextension
CM:
- Motor deficits in upper extremities, especially hands;
more dense than in lower extremities
- Varying degrees of bladder dysfunction

Question 2

BROWN SEGUARD SYNDROME

Answer 2

brown-séguard syndrome
- Partial spinal cord transection
- Associated with penetrating injuries, hyperextension
and flexion, locked facets, and compression fractures
CM:
- Ipsilateral paralysis or paresis below level of injury
- Ipsilateral loss of touch, pressure, vibration, and position
sense below level of injury
- Contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensations
below level of injury

Question 3

CONS MEDULLARIS

Answer 3

cons medullaris
- Partial spinal cord transection
- Compression injury at T12 from disk herniation or burst
fracture of body of T12
CM:
- Flaccid paralysis of legs
- Flaccid paralysis of anal sphincter
- Variable sensory deficits

Question 4

CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME

Answer 4

cauda equina syndrome
- Partial spinal cord transection
- Compression of nerve roots below L1 caused by
fracture and dislocation of spine or large postcentral
intervertebral disc herniation
CM:
- Lower extremity motor deficits
- Variable sensorimotor dysfunction
- Variable reflex dysfunction
- Variable bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction