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   Central Cord Syndrome 
Synonym(s):  Central Cervical Cord Syndrome
Reviewed  11-6-2002  

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Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)

What is Central Cord Syndrome?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?

Organizations
Related NINDS Publications and Information

What is Central Cord Syndrome?
Central cord syndrome is a form of incomplete spinal cord injury (in which some of the signals from the brain to the body are not received), characterized by impairment in the arms and hands and, to a lesser extent, in the legs. The brain's ability to send and receive signals to and from parts of the body below the site of trauma is affected but not entirely blocked. This syndrome, usually the result of trauma, is associated with damage to the large nerve fibers that carry information directly from the cerebral cortex to the spinal cord. These nerves are particularly important for hand and arm function. Symptoms may include paralysis and/or loss of fine control of movements in the arms and hands, with relatively less impairment of leg movements. Sensory loss below the site of the spinal injury and loss of bladder control may also occur, with the overall amount and type of functional loss dependent on how severely the nerves of the spinal cord are damaged.

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

What is the prognosis?
The prognosis for individuals with central cord syndrome varies. Patients who receive medical intervention soon after their injury often have good outcomes. Many people with the disorder recover substantial function after their initial injury, and the ability to walk is recovered in most of the cases, although some impairment may remain.

What research is being done?
The NINDS conducts and supports an extensive research program on spinal cord injuries. Much of this research is aimed at finding ways to, prevent, treat, and cure these disorders.

Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.

 Organizations

Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation/ Paralysis Resource Center
500 Morris Avenue
Springfield, NJ 07081
info@crpf.org; research@crpf.org
http://www.christopherreeve.org
Tel: 973-379-2690 800-225-0292
Fax: 973-912-9433

Kent Waldrep National Paralysis Foundation
16415 Addison Road
Suite 550
Addison, TX 75001
kwaldrep@spinalvictory.org
http://www.spinalvictory.org
Tel: 972-248-7100 877-SCI-CURE (925-2873)
Fax: 972-248-7313

Miami Project to Cure Paralysis/ Buoniconti Fund
P.O. Box 016960
R-48
Miami, FL 33101-6960
mpinfo@miamiproject.med.miami.edu
http://www.themiamiproject.org
Tel: 305-243-6001 800-STANDUP (782-6387)
Fax: 305-243-6017

National Spinal Cord Injury Association
6701 Democracy Blvd.
#300-9
Bethesda, MD 20817
NSCIA2@aol.com
http://www.spinalcord.org
Tel: 301-588-6959 800-962-9629
Fax: 301-588-9414

Spinal Cord Society
19051 County Highway 1
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
N/A
http://users.aol.com/scsweb
Tel: 218-739-5252 or 218-739-5261
Fax: 218-739-5262

Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)
801 18th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006-3517
info@pva.org
http://www.pva.org
Tel: 202-USA-1300 (872-1300) 800-424-8200
Fax: 202-785-4452

Related NINDS Publications and Information

  • Spinal Cord Injury Information Page

  • Spinal cord injury information sheet compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

  • Spinal Cord Injury: Emerging Concepts

  • Report of a 1996 workshop on spinal cord injury research and treatments.


    NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.

    All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.


    Provided by:
    The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
    National Institutes of Health
    Bethesda, MD 20892




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