Central Cord Syndrome
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Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)
What is Central Cord Syndrome?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Organizations
Related NINDS Publications and Information
What is Central Cord Syndrome?
Central cord syndrome is a form of incomplete spinal cord injury characterized by impairment in the arms and hands and to a lesser extent in the legs. The brain's ability to send and receive signals to and from parts of the body below the site of injury is reduced but not entirely blocked. This syndrome is associated with damage to the large nerve fibers that carry information directly from the cerebral cortex to the spinal cord. These nerves are particularly important for hand and arm function. Symptoms may include paralysis or loss of fine control of movements in the arms and hands, with relatively less impairment of leg movements. Sensory loss below the site of the injury and loss of bladder control may also occur. The overall amount and type of functional loss is dependent upon the severity of nerve damage. Central cord syndrome is usually the result of trauma, but also may develop in persons over the age of 50 due to gradual weakening of the vertebrae and discs, which narrows the spinal column and may contribute to compression of the spinal cord.
Is there any treatment? There is no cure for central cord syndrome, nor is there a standard course of treatment, although drug therapy, surgery, and
rest are often part of the program. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to indicate the degree of spinal cord compression
and vertebral instability. Recent studies suggest that surgery can be beneficial in individuals with persistent compression
of the spinal cord and ongoing neurological deterioration.
What is the prognosis? The prognosis for central cord syndrome varies, but most people whose syndrome is caused by trauma have some recovery of neurological
function. Those who receive medical intervention soon after their injury often have good outcomes. Many people with the disorder
recover substantial function after their initial injury, and the ability to walk is recovered in most cases, although some
impairment may remain. Improvement occurs first in the legs, then the bladder, and may be seen in the arms. Hand function
recovers last, if at all. Recovery is generally better in younger patients, compared to those over the age of 50.
What research is being done? Our understanding of central cord syndrome has increased greatly in recent decades as a result of research funded conducted
by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Much of this research focuses on finding better ways
to prevent, treat, and ultimately cure neurological disorders such as central cord syndrome.
Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation 636 Morris Turnpike Suite 3A Short Hills, NJ 07078 info@christopherreeve.org http://www.christopherreeve.org Tel: 973-379-2690 800-225-0292 Fax: 973-912-9433 |
Miami Project to Cure Paralysis/
Buoniconti Fund P.O. Box 016960 R-48 Miami, FL 33101-6960 mpinfo@miamiproject.med.miami.edu http://www.themiamiproject.org Tel: 305-243-6001 800-STANDUP (782-6387) Fax: 305-243-6017 |
National Spinal Cord Injury Association 1 Church Street #600 Rockville, MD 20850 info@spinalcord.org http://www.spinalcord.org Tel: 800-962-9629 Fax: 301-963-1265 |
Spinal Cord Society 19051 County Highway 1 Fergus Falls, MN 56537 http://members.aol.com/scsweb Tel: 218-739-5252 or 218-739-5261 Fax: 218-739-5262 |
Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) 801 18th Street, NW Washington, DC 20006-3517 info@pva.org http://www.pva.org Tel: 202-USA-1300 (872-1300) 800-424-8200 Fax: 202-785-4452 |
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National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
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Last updated August 13, 2008