Spinal Cord Lesions

Question 0

Anterior cord

Answer 0

Trauma or damage to anterior cord or anterior spinal artery
Flexion injuries

Loss of motor function and loss of pain and temperature below spinal lesion

Question 1

Brown-Sequard syndrome

Answer 1

Hemisection
Stab or gunshot wound

Ipsilateral: weakness, motor paralysis, loss of proprioception, vibratory sense & 2 point discrimination, decreased reflexes, clonus, spasticity
Contralateral: loss of pain & temperature starting a few levels below lesion

Question 2

Central cord

Answer 2

Hyperextension
Damage to central portion of cord

Affects upper extremity sensation and motor

Question 3

Posterior cord

Answer 3

Very rare

Deficits of kinesthesia (stereognosis & 2-point discrimination), proprioception
Ataxic gait with wide base of support

Question 4

Cauda equina

Answer 4

Injury below L1
Damage to lumbar & sacral nerve roots

Sensory loss, paralysis, loss of bowel/bladder control

Regeneration is possible (nerve roots)

Question 5

Sacral sparing

Answer 5

Incomplete, most centrally located sacral tracts are spared

Perinatal sensation, rectal sphincter contraction, cutaneous innervation in June saddle area and active contraction of huge sacrally innervated toed flexors are intact