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Related Concept Videos

Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology01:14

Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology

Spinal cord injury progresses through two interconnected phases: primary injury and secondary injury.Primary InjuryPrimary injury happens at the moment of trauma and involves immediate mechanical damage to the spinal cord.Compression happens when broken vertebrae, herniated discs, or accumulating blood (such as a hematoma) press directly against the spinal cord, distorting its normal shape and function. In cases of contusion, the cord is bruised by a blunt force (like penetrating injuries or...
The Spinal Cord01:54

The Spinal Cord

The spinal cord is the body’s major nerve tract of the central nervous system, communicating afferent sensory information from the periphery to the brain and efferent motor information from the brain to the body. The human spinal cord extends from the hole at the base of the skull, or foramen magnum, to the level of the first or second lumbar vertebra.
Spinal Cord: Cross-sectional Anatomy01:16

Spinal Cord: Cross-sectional Anatomy

The cross-sectional anatomy of the spinal cord offers a detailed view of its complex structure and function within the central nervous system. At the core of the spinal cord lies the gray matter, characterized by its butterfly or "H"-shaped appearance in cross-section. This central region is enveloped by white matter, with the overall structure divided into symmetrical halves by the dorsal median sulcus and the ventral median fissure.
Gray Matter and its Components
Central to the gray matter is...
Spinal Cord01:26

Spinal Cord

The spinal cord, a critical component of the central nervous system, extends from the base of the brainstem to the lumbar region of the vertebral column. It is essential for maintaining physical stability and facilitating communication between the brain and peripheral parts of the body.
Spinal Cord: Information Processing01:10

Spinal Cord: Information Processing

The spinal cord is an integral hub for motor and sensory information that enables the brain to communicate with the peripheral nervous system (PNS). This communication consists of relaying sensory data and transmission of motor commands.
Sensory Information Processing
Sensory information processing begins at the sensory receptors located in the skin and other tissues, which detect somatic sensory stimuli such as touch, temperature, or pain. These receptors function as catalysts, initiating...
Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology01:25

Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology

Early Ischemia and Ionic ImbalanceWithin minutes of spinal cord injury, a secondary cascade begins, progressing over hours to weeks. Vascular damage reduces blood flow, causing ischemia and mitochondrial dysfunction. ATP depletion leads to ion pump failure, membrane depolarization, sodium influx, potassium efflux, and water accumulation, resulting in cellular swelling. Increased intracellular calcium further disrupts mitochondria and accelerates cellular injury.Excitotoxicity and Neuronal...

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Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Establishment of Central Cord Syndrome Model in C57BL/6J Mouse
06:36

Establishment of Central Cord Syndrome Model in C57BL/6J Mouse

Published on: September 8, 2023

Central cord syndrome.

Douglas D Nowak1, Joseph K Lee, Daniel E Gelb

  • 1New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.

The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
|December 2, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Central cord syndrome, a common incomplete spinal cord injury, often affects upper extremities. Early surgical decompression may improve outcomes for patients with specific spinal conditions.

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Spinal Cord Lateral Hemisection and Asymmetric Behavioral Assessments in Adult Rats
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Spinal Cord Lateral Hemisection and Asymmetric Behavioral Assessments in Adult Rats

Published on: March 24, 2020

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Last Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Establishment of Central Cord Syndrome Model in C57BL/6J Mouse
06:36

Establishment of Central Cord Syndrome Model in C57BL/6J Mouse

Published on: September 8, 2023

Spinal Cord Lateral Hemisection and Asymmetric Behavioral Assessments in Adult Rats
08:46

Spinal Cord Lateral Hemisection and Asymmetric Behavioral Assessments in Adult Rats

Published on: March 24, 2020

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Spinal Cord Injury Research

Background:

  • Central cord syndrome is the most frequent type of incomplete spinal cord injury.
  • It typically affects older individuals with cervical spondylosis due to hyperextension, but can also occur in younger individuals from trauma or non-traumatic causes.
  • Upper extremities are disproportionately affected, with motor deficits more pronounced than sensory impairments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the characteristics and treatment of central cord syndrome.
  • To discuss the historical and current perspectives on surgical intervention for this condition.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on central cord syndrome.
  • Analysis of clinical presentations and outcomes.
  • Evaluation of treatment modalities, including surgical decompression.

Main Results:

  • Central cord syndrome exhibits a range of severity, from hand weakness to complete quadriparesis with sacral sparing.
  • Non-surgical management historically yielded incomplete recovery.
  • Emerging evidence suggests potential benefits of early surgical decompression in select patients.

Conclusions:

  • Central cord syndrome presents a diverse clinical spectrum.
  • While historically treated non-surgically, early surgical decompression is increasingly considered beneficial for specific patient groups.
  • Further research is warranted to solidify the role of early surgery in managing central cord syndrome.