Central cord syndrome is a form of incomplete spinal cord injury characterized by impairment in the arms and hands and to a lesser extent in the legs. The brain's ability to send and receive signals to and from parts of the body below the site of injury is reduced but not entirely blocked. This syndrome is associated with damage to the large nerve fibers that carry information directly from the cerebral cortex to the spinal cord.  These nerves are particularly important for hand and arm function. Symptoms may include paralysis or loss of fine control of movements in the arms and hands, with relatively less impairment of leg movements. Sensory loss below the site of the injury and loss of bladder control may also occur.  The overall amount and type of functional loss is dependent upon the severity of nerve damage.  Central cord syndrome is usually the result of trauma, but also may develop in persons over the age of 50 due to gradual weakening of the vertebrae and discs, which narrows the spinal column and may contribute to compression of the spinal cord.  There is no cure for central cord syndrome, nor is there a standard course of treatment, although drug therapy, surgery, and rest are often part of the program.  Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to indicate the degree of spinal cord compression and vertebral instability.  Recent studies suggest that surgery can be beneficial in individuals with persistent compression of the spinal cord and ongoing neurological deterioration. The prognosis for central cord syndrome varies, but most people whose syndrome is caused by trauma have some recovery of neurological function. Those who receive medical intervention soon after their injury often have good outcomes.  Many people with the disorder recover substantial function after their initial injury, and the ability to walk is recovered in most cases, although some impairment may remain.  Improvement occurs first in the legs, then the bladder, and may be seen in the arms.  Hand function recovers last, if at all.  Recovery is generally better in younger patients, compared to those over the age of 50. Our understanding of central cord syndrome has increased greatly in recent decades as a result of research funded conducted by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).  Much of this research focuses on finding better ways to prevent, treat, and ultimately cure neurological disorders such as central cord syndrome.  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?CMD=search&term=central+cord+syndrome+AND+human[mh]+AND+english[la]&db=PubMed&orig_db=PubMed&filters=on&pmfilter_EDatLimit=5+Years 1 http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term= /disorders/central_cord/pubs_central_cord.htm /disorders/central_cord/xml_central_cord.xml xml_central_cord.xml Central Cervical Cord Syndrome V224 Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation

636 Morris Turnpike

Suite 3A Short Hills NJ 07078 info@christopherreeve.org http://www.christopherreeve.org 973-379-2690 800-225-0292 973-912-9433 The Christopher Reeve Foundation raises money to help fund spinal cord injury research and operates the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center, located in Short Hills, New Jersey and online at www.paralysis.org. V231 Miami Project to Cure Paralysis/ Buoniconti Fund

P.O. Box 016960

R-48 Miami FL 33101-6960 mpinfo@miamiproject.med.miami.edu http://www.themiamiproject.org 305-243-6001 800-STANDUP (782-6387) 305-243-6017 Supports and conducts research and related programs in the area of spinal cord injury. V236 National Spinal Cord Injury Association

1 Church Street

#600 Rockville MD 20850 info@spinalcord.org http://www.spinalcord.org 800-962-9629 866-387-2196 Works to help those suffering from the catastrophic results of spinal cord injury and disease. Offers educational materials and also sponsors programs to empower survivors of spinal cord injury and disease through a toll-free help-line and a network of chapters and support groups. V241 Spinal Cord Society

19051 County Highway 1

Fergus Falls MN 56537 http://scsus.org/ 218-739-5252 or 218-739-5261 218-739-5262 International advocacy organization that supports research, publishes a newsletter, and sponsors an international network of chapters. V240 Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)

801 18th Street, NW

Washington DC 20006-3517 info@pva.org http://www.pva.org 202-USA-1300 (872-1300) 800-424-8200 202-785-4452 Non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs of its members—more than 19,000 veterans paralyzed by spinal cord injury or disease, as well as caregivers and others affected by these disabilities—through advocacy, education, and research programs.