What symptom is associated with central cord syndrome?

Central cord syndrome is characterized primarily by greater impairment of upper extremity function compared to lower extremity function. This condition is often seen in older adults and usually results from a cervical spinal cord injury or degenerative changes. The primary pathology involves the center of the spinal cord, which affects the neural pathways that control arm movement more severely than those that control leg movement.

In central cord syndrome, patients typically exhibit weakness or paralysis in their arms, with relative preservation of leg strength. This pattern occurs because the arm fibers are located more centrally in the spinal cord, while the leg fibers are located more laterally. Consequently, the syndrome presents with greater upper extremity deficits, making it essential to recognize this symptom when assessing a patient with suspected spinal cord injury.