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