Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries

Brown-Sequard Syndrome

Hemi-section of the cord - ipsilateral (same side) spastic paralysis and loss of position sense - contralateral (opposite side) loss of pain and thermal sense

What spinal tract is affected in anterior cord syndrome?

corticospinal and spinothalamic

What spinal tract is affected in central cord syndrome?

corticospinal tracts

What spinal tract is affected in Brown-sequard syndrome?

corticospinal, spinothalamic and dorsal columns

symptoms of anterior cord syndrome

loss of proprioception, vibration and tactile discrimination below level of injury, spastic paralysis below the level of lesion, ipsilateral babinski sign

Symptoms of Brown-Sequard syndrome

loss of sensations of pain and temperature below the lesion

Anterior cord syndrome

- caused by flexion injuries - occurs when 2/3 of the anterior cord is lost - *motor function, pain, and temperature sensation lost bilaterally below the lesion* (*flaccidity* below the lesion)

Central cord syndrome

occurs with hyperextension of the cervical area. Symptoms include weakness or paresthesia in the upper extremities but normal strength in lower, bladder and bowel control is impaired

What are 3 incomplete spinal cord injuries?

central cord syndrome, anterior cord syndrome, brown-sequard syndrome

symptoms of central cord syndrome

paralysis and burning pain in the upper extremities, with preservation of most functions in the lower extremities