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