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Traumatic central cord syndrome

Case contributed by Arthur Daire
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Fell on a level ground and sustained painful neck with flaccid paraparesis in upper limbs and spastic paraparesis of the lower limbs with associated stool and urinary incontinence. Sensation spared.

Patient Data

Age: 25 years
Gender: Male

At C2/3 level, there is high T2 signal within the central aspect of the cord, with mild associated cord expansion (attenuating the posterior CSF space). STIR and T2 high signal in the posterior soft tissues is consistent with edema.

Case Discussion

This case is an example of a traumatic spinal cord injury, with a patient presenting with central cord syndrome.

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