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Central cord syndrome presenting as unilateral weakness
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Harrisburg Hospital, PA.
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Central cord syndrome, a common spinal cord injury, typically causes greater upper limb weakness. This case highlights a rare presentation of unilateral weakness preceding typical central cord syndrome symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Traumatology
Background:
- Central cord syndrome (CCS) is the most frequent incomplete traumatic spinal cord injury.
- It classically presents with disproportionately greater upper-extremity motor deficits compared to lower-extremity deficits.
- Bladder dysfunction and sensory loss below the injury level are also characteristic features.
Observation:
- This report details a unique case of a patient experiencing a fall.
- The patient initially presented with unilateral upper extremity weakness.
- Subsequently, the patient developed the classic symptoms of central cord syndrome.
Findings:
- While the variability of CCS has been documented, this is the first reported instance of initial unilateral weakness.
- This presentation challenges the typical understanding of CCS onset.
- The findings underscore the diverse clinical manifestations of spinal cord injuries.
Implications:
- This case expands the spectrum of clinical presentations for central cord syndrome.
- It suggests the need for heightened awareness among clinicians regarding atypical initial symptoms.
- Further research may elucidate the underlying mechanisms for such variable presentations in traumatic spinal cord injuries.