Episode 19: Central Cord Syndrome
Host Jimmy McKay

Featured guest Bridget Ripa

Notes Alexis Lancaster
What is it?

Damage to the central portion of the spinal cord

 
How does it happen?

Hyperextension of the cervical spine is the typical cause
Inflammation or pressure on the cord centrally

 
Anatomy/Presentation

Tricky
Damages spinothalamic, corticospinal, and dorsal columns
Upper extremities weaker than lower extremities
Greater motor deficits than sensory deficits
The sensation of the sacral region is present

 
Differential diagnosis

The other spinal cord syndromes

Rely on clinical presentation

Imaging (CT/MRI)

 
Special tests

CT/MRI
Clinical presentations (UE deficits>LE)

 
Treatment

Medically stable first
Bowel/bladder program
Motor learning
Task-specific training
Weight-bearing
Neuromuscular re-education
Strengthening
Tone management
FES
Aerobic training
Positioning
Bracing/splinting
Locomotion if applicable

LE stronger than UE! So you will probably be walking

Keeping an eye on shoulder pain
Allow compensation in this population

 
How it will look on the NPTE

Upper involved more than lower (hallmark sign)
Mechanism of injury→ hyperextension injury