Central cord syndrome commonly affects which neural tracts?

• A. Spinothalamic, corticospinal, and dorsal columns
• B. Only corticospinal
• C. Only spinothalamic
• D. Cerebellar tracts

Answer: (A)

Central cord syndrome is an injury pattern where the damage is centered in the cervical spinal cord, often from a hyperextension injury in someone with preexisting cervical spondylosis. Because the central area is affected, multiple tracts can be involved. The corticospinal tract fibers that control the upper limbs are disrupted, leading to greater weakness in the arms. The spinothalamic tract fibers carrying pain and temperature are affected as well, producing loss of pain and temperature sensations around the level of injury and often in a cape-like distribution over the shoulders and arms. If the lesion extends posteriorly, the dorsal columns involved in fine touch and proprioception can also be impaired. This combination explains why central cord syndrome commonly affects all three major tracts: spinothalamic, corticospinal, and dorsal columns.