Spinal cord stroke is described as which relative to brain stroke?

• A. Less common than the brain
• B. More common than the brain
• C. Equally common
• D. Not possible

Answer: (A)

Spinal cord stroke is much rarer than brain stroke. The brain has a large, highly vulnerable arterial system with many potential sources of ischemia (atherosclerosis, cardioembolism), making cerebrovascular accidents more common. The spinal cord, while supplied by the anterior and posterior spinal arteries with some collateral connections, involves a smaller territory and typically has less frequent occlusive events. So, the best description is that spinal cord stroke is less common than brain stroke. It can occur, but it is uncommon, not more common or equally common, and it is not impossible.