Quiz Form

Question Date: 30/09/2023

Question: Which of the following patterns of neurologic deficit would be most likely after a hyperextension neck injury in a 72-year-old woman with a history of cervical spondylosis?

Options:

• Reduced proprioception in the lower extremities, with preserved motor function and paintemperature sensation in all extremities
• Saddle anesthesia and bladderbowel dysfunction
• Upper extremity weakness with preserved lower extremity strength
• Weakness and reduced paintemperature sensation in the lower extremities with preserved proprioception

Correct Answer: Upper extremity weakness with preserved lower extremity strength

Explaination: The most common clinical syndrome after a hyperextension injury to the neck, especially in older adults with a history of cervical spondylosis, is central cord syndrome, characterized by upper extremity weakness and relative sparing of lower extremity strength. The other patterns described correspond to posterior cord syndrome (A), cauda equina or conus medullaris syndrome (B), anterior cord syndrome (D)

Reference: Page 169,Stein DM, Sheth KN. Management of acute spinal cord injury. Continuum (Minneap Minn). 2015 Feb21(1 Spinal Cord Disorders)159-87. doi 10.121201.CON.0000461091.09736.0c. PMID 25651224.