Anterior cord syndrome at the level of injury causes bilateral loss of which functions due to damage to which tracts?

• A. Lateral corticospinal tract and spinothalamic tract
• B. Dorsal columns (DCML)
• C. Spinocerebellar tracts
• D. Vestibulospinal tract

Answer: (A)

Anterior cord syndrome damages the front portion of the spinal cord, hitting the lateral corticospinal tract and the spinothalamic tract. The lateral corticospinal tract carries voluntary motor commands, so its damage produces bilateral loss of motor control below the injury. The spinothalamic tract carries pain and temperature sensations, so its damage causes bilateral loss of pain and temperature below the lesion. The dorsal columns, which carry fine touch, vibration, and proprioception, are spared, so those modalities remain intact below the injury.