What is a characteristic of anterior cord syndrome?

Anterior cord syndrome is a type of incomplete spinal cord injury characterized primarily by the loss of motor function below the level of the injury due to damage to the anterior two-thirds of the spinal cord. This results in paralysis or weakness in the affected areas, particularly impacting the anterior aspect of the spinal cord where the corticospinal tracts (responsible for voluntary motor control) are located.

Although some sensory modalities may be preserved, especially proprioception and vibration sense (which are mediated by the dorsal columns), the hallmark of anterior cord syndrome is the significant motor deficit, leading to paralysis below the level of the spinal injury. This aligns with the primary pathology of the syndrome, where the pathways that facilitate voluntary movement are compromised, while ascending sensory pathways may remain intact.

Therefore, recognizing paralysis or weakness below the injury level is crucial to understanding anterior cord syndrome and distinguishing it from other types of spinal cord injuries or syndromes.