Cervical Syndromes

Cervical syndromes
Cervical Spondylosis – Cord Compression Syndromes

There are a number of myelopathic syndromes

1. Transverse Lesion Syndrome
– most common
– little upper extremity involvement
– posterior column, spinothalamic, corticospinal tracts are predominantly involved to lower extremities

2. Motor System Syndrome
– bears a strong resemblance to ALS
– corticospinal and anterior horn cell dysfunction
– patient may have no sensory complaints, but motor function may be severely affected

3. Central Cord
– upper extremity worse than lower
– hand function affected the most has a poor prognosis

4. Brown Sequard
– unilateral cord compression – ipsilateral motor, contralateral pain and temp loss
– good prognosis

– correlating canal size and degree of myelopathy is difficult; the most important good prognostic factor may be minimal involvement; other favorable factors include symptoms