Types of Paralysis : Anterior Cord Syndrome

Anterior Cord Syndrome

Table of Contents

What is Anterior Cord Syndrome ?
Is there any treatment ?
What is the prognosis ?

What is Anterior Cord Syndrome?

Anterior spinal cord syndrome (anterior spinal artery syndrome) is usually seen as a result of compression of the artery that runs along the front of the spinal cord. The compression may be from bone fragments or a large disc herniation. Patients with anterior spinal cord syndrome usually have complete loss of strength below the level of injury.

Sensory loss is incomplete. Generally, sensitivity to pain and temperature are lost while sensitivity to vibration (tested with a tuning fork) and position are preserved.

Is there any treatment?

There is no cure, nor is there a standard course of treatment, for anterior cord syndrome. Drug therapy, surgery, and rest are often part of the treatment program.

What is the prognosis?

Anterior cord syndrome has the worst prognosis of all cord syndromes; prognosis is good if recovery is evident & progressive during first 24 hours; after 24 hrs, if no signs of sacral sensibility to pinprick or temp are present, prognosis for further functional recovery are poor; only 10 to 15% of patients demonstrate functional recovery;

Types of Paralysis : Anterior Cord Syndrome