Central cord syndrome (CCS) is an incomplete injury of the part of the spinal cord that is in the neck. This results in weakness in the arms and hands. Sometimes the legs are also affected.

Spinal Cord

Causes

CCS happens after an injury that hyperextends the neck. This damages nerve fibers that bring message from the brain to the body. Some causes are:

Trauma, such as a car accident, sports injuries, and falls (most common)
Wear and tear of the spine due to aging
Abnormal structure of the spine
Tethered cord syndrome—abnormal attachment of the spinal cord to tissue around the spine
Osteoporosis—weakened bones
Spinal arthroplasties

Risk Factors

This problem is more common in men. It is also more common in older adults with spinal health problems, such as osteoporosis.

Symptoms

Problems may be:

Trouble lifting the arms and hands
Numbness and tingling
Problems with fine motor control, such as buttoning a shirt
Muscle weakness in the legs
Problems walking
Loss of bladder control

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. A neurological exam may also be done.

Images may be taken of the spine. These can be done with:

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms. Choices are:

Physical therapy to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion
Occupational therapy to help with daily tasks and self-care
Medicine to ease pain and swelling

Some people may need surgery if there is a large compression of the spinal cord fibers.

Prevention

CCS is often caused by injury or accident. These are hard to prevent.

RESOURCES:

Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation
http://www.christopherreeve.org

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
http://www.ninds.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Spinal Research Organization
http://www.csro.com

Spinal Cord Research Centre
http://www.scrc.umanitoba.ca

References:

Ameer MA, Stobart Gallagher MA, et al. Central Cord Syndrome. [Updated 2020 Oct 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441932.

Central cord syndrome information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Central-Cord-Syndrome-Information-Page. Accessed January 26, 2021.

Eckert MJ, Martin MJ. Trauma: Spinal Cord Injury. Surg Clin North Am. 2017 Oct;97(5):1031-1045.

Management of chronic spinal cord injury. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/management/management-of-chronic-spinal-cord-injury. Accessed January 26, 2021.

Spinal cord injury—emergency management. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/management/spinal-cord-injury-emergency-management. Accessed January 26, 2021.

Traumatic brain injury and concussion. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed January 26, 2021.

Last reviewed December 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Rimas Lukas, MD
Last Updated: 1/26/2021

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