Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury Syndromes

Posterior Cord Syndrome Manifestations

-Generally the dorsal columns are damaged, resulting in loss of proprioception -Pain, temperature sensation, and motor function below the level of injury remain intact

Brown-Sequard Syndrome Manifestations

-Ipsilateral: Loss of motor function and position and vibratory sense, vasomotor paralysis -Contralateral: loss of pain and temperature sensation below the level of injury

Anterior Cord Syndrome Manifestations

-Motor paralysis and loss of pain and temperature sensation below the level of injury -Because posterior cord tracts are not injured, sensations of touch, position, vibration, and motion remain intact

Central Cord Syndrome Manifestations

-Motor weakness and sensory loss are present in both upper and lower extremities -Upper extremities are affected more than the lower ones

Posterior Cord Syndrome Description

-Results from compression or damage to the posterior spinal artery -Very rare condition

Brown-Sequard Syndrome Description

-Results from damage to one half of the spinal cord -Typically results from penetrating injury to spinal cord

Anterior Cord Syndrome Description

-Caused by damage to the anterior spinal artery -Results in compromised blood flow to the anterior spinal cord -Typically results from injury causing acute compression of anterior portion of the spinal cord, often flexion injury

Central Cord Syndrome Description

-Caused by damage to the central spinal cord -Occurs most commonly in the cervical cord region -More common in older adults

Conus Medullaris and Cauda Equins Syndrome Manifestations

Flaccid paralysis of the lower limbs and areflexic (flaccid) bladder and bowel

Conus Medullaris and Cauda Equins Syndrome Description

Result from damage to the conus (lowest portion of the spinal cord) and caudal equine (lumbar and sacral nerve roots)