Central cord syndrome is described as which type of incomplete spinal cord injury?

• A. Most common incomplete type
• B. Least common incomplete type
• C. Most common complete type
• D. Rare

Answer: (A)

Central cord syndrome is the most common incomplete spinal cord injury pattern. In this condition, damage is centered in the cervical spinal cord, often after a hyperextension injury in older adults with cervical spondylosis. This central injury disrupts the fibers controlling the arms more than those controlling the legs, so motor weakness is greater in the upper extremities while some function below the lesion is preserved. That preservation below the level and the selective, central involvement fit the idea of an incomplete injury, making central cord syndrome the typical or most frequent incomplete type seen clinically.