Which description best fits anterior cord syndrome?

Which description best fits anterior cord syndrome?

• A. Loss of pain/temperature and motor function with preserved proprioception
• B. Loss of proprioception and vibration with preserved motor and pain
• C. Loss of fine touch but preserved pain
• D. Complete loss of all modalities

Answer: (A)

Anterior cord syndrome occurs when the anterior two-thirds of the spinal cord are injured, typically from disruption of the anterior spinal artery. This region contains the corticospinal tract (motor) and the spinothalamic tract (pain and temperature), so both motor function and pain/temperature sensation are lost below the level of injury. The dorsal columns, which carry proprioception and vibration, are supplied mainly by the posterior circulation and are spared, so proprioception remains intact. That pattern—loss of motor function and pain/temperature with preserved proprioception—best fits this description. Other patterns would imply damage to the dorsal columns (proprioception loss with preserved motor and pain) or more widespread loss of all modalities, which are not characteristic of anterior cord syndrome.

Anterior cord syndrome occurs when the anterior two-thirds of the spinal cord are injured, typically from disruption of the anterior spinal artery. This region contains the corticospinal tract (motor) and the spinothalamic tract (pain and temperature), so both motor function and pain/temperature sensation are lost below the level of injury. The dorsal columns, which carry proprioception and vibration, are supplied mainly by the posterior circulation and are spared, so proprioception remains intact. That pattern—loss of motor function and pain/temperature with preserved proprioception—best fits this description. Other patterns would imply damage to the dorsal columns (proprioception loss with preserved motor and pain) or more widespread loss of all modalities, which are not characteristic of anterior cord syndrome.