Central cord syndrome — the most common incomplete spinal cord injury — is characterised by:

• A Greater weakness of the upper extremities than the lower extremities, bladder dysfunction, and sacral sensory sparing ✓
• B Greater weakness of the lower extremities than the upper extremities with bladder dysfunction
• C Complete motor loss below the level of injury with preserved pain and temperature sensation
• D Ipsilateral motor and proprioception loss with contralateral pain and temperature loss

Explanation

Central cord syndrome preferentially injures the medial corticospinal tract fibres (which supply upper extremity motor neurons, concentrated centrally) more than the laterally placed lower extremity fibres. The result is disproportionately greater upper limb weakness than lower limb weakness. Bladder dysfunction (urinary retention) is invariable. Sacral-spared sensation (preserved perianal sensation and anal tone) confirms incomplete injury. It commonly occurs in elderly patients with pre-existing cervical stenosis following hyperextension injury ('whiplash' without fracture). Prognosis is generally favourable for lower limb recovery; hand function recovery is poorest.

Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.