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