Central cord syndrome (CCS) is a type of incomplete spinal cord injury. CCS is marked by damage to the nerve fibers that bring messages from the brain to the body. This condition affects how you can use your arms and hands, and in some cases, your legs. There may be a loss of sensation and motor control.

Spinal Cord

Causes

CCS is caused by damage to the central part of the spinal cord. This damage may occur when the neck is hyperextended. This can be associated with:

Syringomyelia (syrinx)—a cyst in the spinal cord
Loss of blood supply to the area
Bleeding in the spinal cord
Swelling

Common causes of injury include:

Trauma, such as car accident, sports injuries, and falls
Degenerative condition of spine—often found in older people
Pre-existing condition, such as being born with a narrow spine

CSS can also be due to:

Structural problems
Tumors within the spinal cord

Risk Factors

Males over 50 are more likely to have this condition. Other factors that increase your chance of CCS include:

Autoimmune disorder, such as multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica
Pre-existing condition, such as narrow spinal canal, spinal cord disease, and tethered cord
Participation in certain sports, such as wrestling and diving

Symptoms

Symptoms of CCS may include:

Inability to lift arms and hands completely, or numbness and tingling
Difficulty with fine motor control, such as buttoning a shirt
Muscle weakness in legs, difficulty walking
Loss of bladder control

If CCS is due to trauma, symptoms usually come quickly. Sometimes, however, symptoms may come more slowly.

Diagnosis

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

Images may be taken of your spinal cord. These can be done with:

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Rehab can take a long time for some people. If you are young and have more muscle function, you have a better chance of recovering.

Treatment options include the following:

Nonsurgical Treatment

In most cases, surgery is not needed. Often treatment involves:

Restricting neck movement
Giving steroids
Doing physical and occupational therapy

Surgery

Surgery is needed if there is a large compression of the spinal cord fibers. Surgery may also be done after a period of recovery. For example, if you still have cord compression after a recovery period.

Prevention

To help reduce your chance of a spinal cord injury:

Do not dive into water if you do not know how deep it is.
Always wear a seatbelt.
Do not drink and drive. Do not ride with someone who has been drinking.
Remove obstacles in your house, like throw rugs, that could cause falls.
Use safe methods and proper equipment when playing sports.
Secure firearms.

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:

Cortez R, Levi AD. Acute spinal cord injury. Curr Treat Options Neurol. 2007;9(2):115-125.

Finnoff JT, Midlenberger D, Cassidy CD.. Central cord syndrome in a football player with congenital spinal stenosis. Am J Sports Med. 2004;32(2):516-521.

McKinley W, Santos K, Meade M, Brooke K.Incidence and outcomes of spinal cord injury clinical syndromes. J Spinal Cord Med. 2007;30(3):215-224.

NINDS 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 November 8, 2017.

Older adult falls. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed November 8, 2017.

Rich V, McCaslin E. Central cord syndrome in a high school wrestler: a case report. J Athl Train. 2006;41(3):341-344.

Spinal cord injury—acute management. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed... . Updated June 15, 2017. Accessed November 8, 2017.

Spinal cord injury—chronic management. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T566521 . Updated September 7, 2017. Accessed November 8, 2017.

Traumatic brain injury. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated July 6, 2017. Accessed November 8, 2017.

Visocchi M, Di Rocco F, Meglio M. Subacute clinical onset of post-traumatic myelopathy. Acta Neurochir (Wein). 2003;145(9): 799-804.

Last reviewed November 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Rimas Lukas, MD
Last Updated: 12/20/2014

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