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Lesions of the Spinal Cord
Learning Module
Click to Begin
Used with permission of the
Academy of Neurologic
Physical Therapy
of the APTA
Do not duplicate without
acknowledging Learning
Activity author
Michael McKeough, PT, EdD
Contents
Overview
Introduction
Learning Objectives
Instructions
Legend
Read these Instructions!
Review of functional systems in the spinal cord
Lateral corticospinal tract
Dorsal column-medial lemniscal system
Lateral spinothalamic tract
Lesion lessons
Dorsal column lesion
Fasciculus gracilis lesion
Fasciculus cuneatus lesion
Lateral corticospinal tract lesion
Lateral spinothalamic tract lesion
Patient Cases
Case 1
Case 2
Case 3
Transverse cord lesion
Hemicord lesion
Central cord syndrome
Anterior cord syndrome
Posterior cord syndrome
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Overview
Introduction
Learning Objectives
Instructions
Legend
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Introduction
• This module reviews lesions of the spinal cord
• Module organization consists of three components. Review of
functional systems in the spinal cord (lateral corticospinal tract,
DCML, and lateral spinothalamic tract), lesion lessons (9 interactive
lesions with feedback), and patient cases (3 interactive cases with
feedback).
• At the bottom of each page, a navigation bar contains options to
move throughout the module.
• Material is presented at both the behavioral level and the
neuroanatomical level.
• The behavioral level is presented first and depicts a patient’s clinical
presentation.
• The neuroanatomical level depicts the detailed anatomy of first-
order, second-order and third-order neurons.
• The neuroanatomical level accounts for the patient’s behavioral
presentation on examination under normal and lesioned conditions.
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Learning Objectives
After completing this module you should be able to:
1. describe the signs and symptoms caused by a lesion of the
spinal cord (fasciculus gracilis and fasciculus cuneatus, lateral
corticospinal tract, and lateral spinothalamic tract).
2. given a patient case (examination results and chief complaint),
identify the functional systems causing the sensory and motor
impairments.
3. correlate neurology information between the behavioral and
neuroanatomical levels.
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Instructions
• This module contains 9 interactive lesion lessons with animation.
• Lesson lessons begin with a question about the symptoms
produced by that particular lesion.
• Clicking the answer button will reveal the answer to the question.
• Clicking the explanation button will lead to both behavioral and
neuroanatomical explanations of the lesion.
• Each presentation is launched by clicking the animation button.
The same button serves to replay the animation if desired.
• Any of the lessons may be accessed by simply clicking on the
lesion title on the Contents page.
• Please refer to the Legend that defines the symbols used
throughout the module.
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Legend
First-order neuron
Second-order neuron
Third-order neuron
Pain stimulus
Mechanism of injury
Lesion
Sensory impairment
Function intact
Function lost
Light touch stimulus
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Review of Functional Systems
in the Spinal Cord
Lateral corticospinal tract
Dorsal column-medial lemniscal system
Lateral spinothalamic tract
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Lateral Corticospinal Tract
Voluntary Knee Extension:
Behavioral Description
Voluntary movement is controlled by a
system of brain and spinal motor centers
linked by neuronal pathways. The primary
motor pathway (Corticospinal tract) is
crossed such that the left hemisphere
controls movement of the right half of the
body and vise versa. Motor pathways
consist of upper and lower motor neurons.
Upper motor neurons originate in the
precentral gyrus, decussate in the medulla,
descend in the lateral column of the spinal
cord, and terminate on lower motor neurons
in the ventral horn. Lower motor neurons
exit the CNS and innervate skeletal muscles
via the peripheral nervous system.
Click to animate
Neuroanatomical Explanation
Stimulus
UMN
LMN
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Lateral Corticospinal Tract
Voluntary Knee Extension:
Neuroanatomical Description
The cell body of the upper motor neuron is
located in he precentral gyrus
(somatotopically organized). The axon
descends through the internal capsule,
decussates in the medulla, descends
through the lateral column of the spinal cord
and terminates in the ventral horn.
The cell body of the lower motor neuron is
located in the ventral horn. The axon exits
the CNS via ventral rootlets of
spinal nerves and
innervates skeletal muscle
via a peripheral nerve.
Skeletal muscles contract
to produce the force to
extend the knee.
Behavioral Explanation
Stimulus
UMN
LMN
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
The cell body of the upper motor neuron is
located in he precentral gyrus
(somatotopically organized). The axon
descends through the internal capsule,
decussates in the medulla, descends
through the lateral column of the spinal cord
and terminates in the ventral horn.
The cell body of the lower motor neuron is
located in the ventral horn. The axon exits
the CNS via spinal nerves and
innervates skeletal muscle
via a peripheral nerve.
Skeletal muscles contract
to produce the force to
extend the knee.
Behavioral Explanation Stimulus
UMN
LMN
Lateral Corticospinal Tract
Voluntary Knee Extension:
Neuroanatomical Description
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Thalamus
Fasciculus Gracilis
Fasciculus Cuneatus
Nucleus Gracilis
Nucleus Cuneatus
Primary sensory cortex
Dorsal Column-Medial
Lemniscal System
Discriminative touch, vibration,
and position information from the
body is conveyed by the dorsal
column-medial lemniscal system
(DCML). The DCML is a crossed
system. It originates from
mechano-receptors (sensory
receptors sensitive to
mechanical deformation) located
in the body wall and projects to
the contralateral cerebral
hemisphere via a three neuron
projection system. The DCML is
comprised of the fasciculus
gracilis and fasciculus cuneatus.
Fasciculus gracilis
Fasciculus cuneatus
First-order neuron
Second-order neuron
Third-order neuron
Stimulus
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Thalamus
Fasciculus Gracilis
Nucleus Gracilis
Primary sensory cortex
Fasciculus Gracilis:
Behavioral Description
Click to animate
Fasciculus gracilis: light touch,
vibration, and position sense
from the contralateral leg and
lower trunk
Consists of a 3-neuron
projection system extending
from receptors in the periphery
to the primary somatosensory
cortex (Click neuroanatomical
explanation)
Fasciculus gracilis
Neuroanatomical Explanation
Fasciculus cuneatus
First-order neuron
Second-order neuron
Third-order neuron
Stimulus
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Click to animate
Fasciculus Gracilis:
Neuroanatomical Description
First-order neurons
Cell body: dorsal root ganglion (DRG)
Distal axon: innervates mechanoreceptors in
leg and lower trunk via peripheral nerves
Proximal axon: enter dorsal column (fasciculus
gracilis), ascend ipsilaterally and terminate in
the nucleus gracilis
Second-order neurons
Cell body: nucleus gracilis
Axon: decussates in the medulla and projects
to the contralateral thalamus (ventral
posterior lateral nucleus, VPL) via the medial
lemniscus
Third-order neurons
Cell body: VPL of thalamus
Axon: ascends via the posterior limb of the
internal capsule and terminates in the primary
somatosensory cortex
DRG
Behavioral Explanation
Fasciculus cuneatus
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Fasciculus cuneatus: light
touch, vibration, and position
sense from the contralateral
arm and upper trunk
Consists of a 3-neuron
projection system extending
from receptors in the
periphery to the primary
somatosensory cortex (Click
neuroanatomical explanation)
Thalamus
Nucleus Cuneatus
Primary sensory cortex
Fasciculus Cuneatus
Fasciculus cuneatus:
Click to animate
Fasciculus Cuneatus:
Behavioral Description
Neuroanatomical Explanation
First-order neuron
Second-order neuron
Third-order neuron
Stimulus
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Click to animate
First-order neurons
Cell body: dorsal root ganglion (DRG)
Distal axon: innervates mechanoreceptors in
arm and upper trunk via peripheral nerves
Proximal axon: enter dorsal column (fasciculus
cuneatus), ascend ipsilaterally and terminate
in the nucleus cuneatus
Second-order neurons
Cell body: nucleus cuneatus
Axon: decussates in the medulla and projects
to the contralateral thalamus (ventral
posterior lateral nucleus, VPL) via the medial
lemniscus
Third-order neurons
Cell body: VPL of thalamus
Axon: ascends via the posterior limb of the
internal capsule and terminates in the primary
somatosensory cortex
Fasciculus Cuneatus:
Neuroanatomical Description
DRG
Behavioral Explanation
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Thalamus
Primary sensory cortex
Lateral spinothalamic
tract
Lateral Spinothalamic Tract:
Behavioral Description
Information about pain and
temperature from the body is
conveyed via several spinal
tracts collectively known as the
anterolateral system. The
lateral spinothalamic tract
(LSTT) is the most prominent
among these. The LSTT is a
crossed system. It originates
from nociceptors (free nerve
endings and chemo-receptors)
and projects to the opposite
(contralateral) cerebral
hemisphere via a three neuron
projection system. Click to animate
Neuroanatomical Explanation First-order neuron
Second-order neuron
Third-order neuron
Stimulus
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
The Lateral Spinothalamic
Tract: Neuroanatomical
Description
First-order neurons
Cell body: dorsal root ganglion
(DRG)
Distal axon: innervates nociceptors
via peripheral nerves
Proximal axon: enter the spinal cord,
diverge 1-3 levels and terminate on
second-order neurons in the dorsal
horn
Second-order neurons
Cell body: dorsal horn
Axon: decussates at or about the
level of entry and projects to the
contralateral thalamus (ventral
posterior lateral nucleus, VPL) via
the lateral spinothalamic tract
Third-order neurons
Cell body: VPL of thalamus
Axon: ascends via the posterior limb
of the internal capsule and
terminates in the primary
somatosensory cortex
DRG
Click to animate
Behavioral Explanation
Lateral spinothalamic tract
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Lesion Lessons
Dorsal column lesion
Fasciculus gracilis lesion
Fasciculus cuneatus lesion
Lateral corticospinal tract lesion
Lateral spinothalamic tract lesion
Transverse cord lesion
Hemicord lesion
Central cord syndrome
Anterior cord syndrome
Posterior cord syndrome
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Lesion of the right dorsal
column at L1 produces what
impairment?
Click for answer
Damage to the right dorsal column at L1 causes the
absence of light touch, vibration, and position
sensation in the right leg. Only fasciculus gracilis
exists below T6.
Click for explanation
R L
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Right Dorsal Column Lesion
Dorsal column lesion
Ipsilateral loss of light touch,
vibration, and position sense
generalized below the lesion level
Below T6 only the fasciculus gracilis
is present.
R L
DRG
L1
Common causes
include MS,
penetrating injuries,
and compression
from tumors.
Click to animate
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Lesion of the left fasciculus gracilis
at T8 produces what impairment?
Click for answer
Damage to the left fasciculus gracilis at T8 causes
the absence of light touch, vibration, and position
sensation in the left leg and lower left trunk. Only
the fasciculus gracilis exists below T6.
Click for explanation
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Thalamus
Fasciculus Gracilis
Fasciculus Cuneatus
Nucleus Gracilis
Nucleus Cuneatus
Primary sensory cortex
Lesion of the fasciculus
gracilis on the left:
Behavioral Explanation
Sensory impairment:
left leg and lower
left trunk.
Click to animate
Sensory impairment:
absence of light touch,
vibration, and position
sensation in the left
leg and lower left
trunk.
Neuroanatomical Explanation
Lesion
Lost function
Impairment
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Lesion of the fasciculus gracilis
on the left: Neuroanatomical
Explanation
Because the tract has not
yet decussated, impairment
is ipsilateral to the lesion.
Lesion of first-order neurons
interrupts ascending
information so light touch,
vibration, and position
sensation is impaired in the
left leg and lower left trunk.
Receptors and reflex
connections below the
lesion level remain intact.
Click to animate
Behavioral Explanation
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Lesion of the right fasciculus
cuneatus at C3 produces what
impairment?
Click for answer
Damage to the right fasciculus cuneatus at C3
causes the absence of light touch, vibration, and
position sensation in the right arm and upper trunk.
Click for explanation
R L
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Right Fasciculus Cuneatus Lesion
Fasciculus cuneatus lesion
Ipsilateral loss of light touch,
vibration, and position sense
In the right arm and upper trunk
R L
DRG
C3
Common causes
include MS,
penetrating injuries,
and compression
from tumors.
Click to animate
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Lesion of the right lateral
corticospinal tract at L1
produces what impairment?
Click for answer
Damage to the right lateral corticospinal tract at L1
causes upper motor neurons signs (weakness or
paralysis, hyperreflexia, and hypertonia) in the right leg.
Click for explanation
R L
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
R L
UMN
Lateral corticospinal tract lesion
Ipsilateral upper motor neurons signs
generalized below the lesion level
UMN signs
Weakness (Spastic paralysis)
Hyperreflexia (+ Babinski, clonus)
Hypertonia
Right Lateral Corticospinal Tract Lesion
L1
Common causes
include penetrating
injuries, lateral
compression from
tumors, and MS.
Click to animate
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Click for answer
Damage to the right lateral spinothalamic tract at L1
causes the absence of pain and temperature
sensation in the left leg.
Click for explanation
Lesion of the right lateral
spinothalamic tract at L1
produces what impairment?
R L
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
R L
DRG
Lateral spinothalamic tract lesion
Contralateral loss of pain
and temperature sense
Right Lateral Spinothalamic Tract Lesion
L1
Common causes
include MS,
penetrating injuries,
and compression
from tumors.
Click to animate
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Click for answer
Damage to the anterior gray and white commissures at
C5-C6 causes the absence of pain and temperature
sensation in the C5 and C6 dermatomes in both upper
extremities.
Click for explanation
Lesion of the anterior gray and
white commissures (central
cord syndrome) at C5-C6
produces what impairment?
R L
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
C5-C6
Central Cord Syndrome
Lateral
Spinothalamic
Tract
Impaired pain and temperature
sensation, C5-C6 dermatomes,
bilaterally
DRG DRG
R L
Common causes
include posttraumatic
contusion and
syringomyelia, and
intrinsic spinal cord
tumors.
Click to animate
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Click for answer
Damage to the right dorsal columns at L1 causes the
absence of light touch, vibration, and position sense in
the right leg. Damage to the lateral corticospinal tract
causes upper motor neuron signs in the right leg
(Monoplegia), and damage to the lateral spinothalamic
tract causes the absence of pain and temperature
sensation in the left leg.
Click for explanation
Complete transection of the right
half the spinal cord (Hemicord or
Brown-Sequard syndrome) at L1
produces what impairments?
R L
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
R L
Hemicord Lesion (Brown-Sequard Syndrome)
Dorsal column lesion
Ipsilateral loss of light touch,
vibration, and position sense
Lateral corticospinal tract lesion
Ipsilateral upper motor neurons signs
Lateral spinothalamic tract lesion
Contralateral loss of pain
and temperature sense
Hemicord lesion
Build the lesion
L1
Common causes
include penetrating
injuries, lateral
compression from
tumors, and MS.
Click to animate
Hemicord Lesion (Brown-Sequard Syndrome)
Dorsal column lesion
Ipsilateral loss of light touch,
vibration, and position sense
Lateral corticospinal tract lesion
Ipsilateral upper motor neurons signs
Lateral spinothalamic tract lesion
Contralateral loss of pain
and temperature sense
UMN
Hemicord lesion
R L
DRG
DRG
L1
Click to animate
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Click for answer
Damage to the dorsal columns, bilaterally, causes the
absence of light touch, vibration, and position sense in
the both legs. Damage to the lateral corticospinal tracts,
bilaterally, cause upper motor neuron signs in the both
legs (Paraplegia), and damage to the lateral
spinothalamic tracts, bilaterally, cause the absence of
pain and temperature sensation in the both legs.
Click for explanation
Complete transection of the
spinal cord (Transverse cord
lesion) at L1 would produce
what impairments?
R L
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
R L
Dorsal column lesion
Bilateral loss of light touch,
vibration, and position sense
Lateral corticospinal tract lesion
Bilateral upper motor neurons signs
Lateral spinothalamic tract lesion
Bilateral loss of pain and
temperature sense
Transverse Cord Lesion
Transverse cord lesion
Build the lesion
Common causes
include trauma,
tumors, transverse
myelitis, and MS.
Click to animate
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
R L
Transverse Cord Lesion UMN
UMN
DRG
DRG
Transverse cord lesion
Dorsal column lesion
Ipsilateral loss of light touch,
vibration, and position sense
Lateral corticospinal tract lesion
Ipsilateral upper motor neurons signs
Lateral spinothalamic tract lesion
Contralateral loss of pain
and temperature sense
Click to animate
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Click for answer
Damage to the dorsal columns (fasciculus gracilis
and cuneatus), bilaterally, causes the absence of
light touch, vibration, and position sense, bilaterally,
from the neck down (below the lesion level).
Click for explanation
Complete transection of the
dorsal columns, bilaterally,
(posterior cord syndrome) in
the cervical region would
produce what impairments?
R L
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
R L
Posterior Cord Syndrome
DRG
DRG
Dorsal column lesion (bilateral)
Bilateral loss of light touch,
vibration, and position sense,
generalized below lesion level
Common causes
include trauma,
compression from
posteriorly located
tumors, and MS.
Click to animate
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Click for answer
Damage to the lateral corticospinal tracts cause upper motor
neuron signs, bilaterally, below the lesion level. Damage to
lower motor neurons in the ventral horns cause lower motor
neuron signs, bilaterally, at the lesion level. Damage to the
lateral spinothalamic tracts cause absence of pain and
temperature sensation, bilaterally, below the lesion level.
Sparing of the dorsal columns leaves light touch, vibration,
and position sense intact throughout.
Click for explanation
Complete transection of the lateral
corticospinal and lateral spinothalamic
tracts with sparing of the dorsal
columns, bilaterally, (anterior cord
syndrome) in the cervical region would
produce what impairments?
R L
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
UMN
DRG
UMN
DRG
R L
Anterior cord lesion
Lateral corticospinal tract lesion
Ipsilateral upper motor neurons signs
Contralateral loss of pain
and temperature sense
Lateral spinothalamic tract lesion
Anterior Cord Syndrome
Common causes
include anterior
spinal artery
infarct, trauma,
and MS.
Click to animate
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Patient Cases
Read these instructions!
Patient Case 1
Patient Case 2
Patient Case 3
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Case Instructions
• These patient cases are intended to facilitate the integration and
clinical application of information about lesions of the spinal cord
by coupling the findings on examination and patient interview
with their neuroanatomical correlates.
• Each case begins with the patient’s chief complaint and
significant examination findings. Then, the question is asked,
Damage to what system(s) is causing this patient’s problems?
Clicking the Answer button will reveal the answer and clicking
the Show lesion button will reveal the neuroanatomic lesion
along with the patient’s behavioral impairments.
• Cases are presented from two perspectives. What lesion would
account for a given set of examination results and patient
history? For a given lesion, what signs and symptoms would be
expected on examination?
• Click on a case number to begin the exercise.
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Case 1
The patient complains of “clumsiness” of her left leg due to uncertainty of the
limb’s position in space. Active and passive ROM and strength are within
normal limits (WNL) throughout. Light touch, two-point discrimination,
proprioception, and vibration sense are intact in the right lower extremity but
absent in all dermatomes below the umbilicus in the left lower extremity. She
is able to distinguish sharp from dull WNL in lower extremities, bilaterally.
Damage to what system(s) is causing this patient’s problems?
Lesion of the left dorsal column (fasciculus gracilis) at approximately T10.
Lateral corticospinal tracts are intact, bilaterally: AROM and strength are WNL
Lateral spinothalamic tracts are intact, bilaterally: sharp/dull is WNL
Dorsal column is intact on the right: light touch, two-point discrimination,
proprioception, and vibration are WNL
Dorsal column is absent on the left: light touch, two-point discrimination,
proprioception (limb position in space), and vibration are absent in all
dermatomes below the umbilicus
Lesion level, T10: the umbilicus is located in the T10 dermatome
Answer
Show lesion
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
R L
Left Dorsal Column Lesion
DRG
Dorsal column lesion
Ipsilateral loss of light touch,
vibration, and position sense
Click to animate
T10
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Case 2
After a fall from his horse, the patient was alert and oriented but unable to move
anything but his head. He was unable to sense light touch or pain from the neck
down. He could turn his head but shoulder shrug was weak. Speech was
normal but respiration was labored and required a respirator.
Damage to what system(s) is causing this patient’s problems?
Complete transection of the spinal cord (transverse lesion ) at approximately C3
(Tetroplegia, Christopher Reeve)
Lateral corticospinal tracts absent, bilaterally, below C3: unable to move any
body part except head and shoulder shrug (C3-5)
Dorsal columns absent , bilaterally, below C3: unable to sense light touch below
neck
Lateral spinothalamic tracts absent, bilaterally, below C3: unable to sense pain
below neck
Lesion level, C3: patient was alert and oriented (cortex and reticular activating
system intact), he could turn his head (spinal accessory nerve), shoulder shrug
and respiration were weak (shoulder elevator and respiratory muscles C3-5)
Answer
Show lesion
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
R L
Transverse Cord Lesion UMN
UMN
DRG
DRG
Transverse cord lesion
Dorsal column lesion
Ipsilateral loss of light touch,
vibration, and position sense
Lateral corticospinal tract lesion
Ipsilateral upper motor neurons signs
Lateral spinothalamic tract lesion
Contralateral loss of pain and
temperature sense
Click to animate
C3
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Case 3
Following surgical repair of a knife wound the patient is unable to stand or walk because
he is unable to move or bear weight on his right leg. Light touch, position and vibration
sense are WNL in the left lower extremity but absent in the right below the crest of the
ilium. Active range of motion and strength are normal in the left lower extremity but
absent in the right (hip, knee, and ankle). Pain and temperature sensation are intact in
the right lower extremity but absent in the left below T12.
Damage to what system(s) is causing this patient’s problems?
Hemisection of the spinal cord on the right at approximately L1
Dorsal column is intact on the left but absent on the right: light touch, position
and vibration sense are WNL in the left lower extremity but absent in the right
Lateral corticospinal tract is intact on the left but absent on the right: active
range of motion and strength are normal in the left lower extremity but absent in
the right
Lateral spinothalamic tract is intact on the left but absent on the right: pain and
temperature sensation are intact in the right lower extremity but absent in the
left
Lesion level, approximately L1: hip flexion absent on right (L2), pain and
temperature sense absent below T12
Answer
Show lesion
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
Hemicord Lesion (Brown-Sequard Syndrome)
Dorsal column lesion
Ipsilateral loss of light touch,
vibration, and position sense
Lateral corticospinal tract lesion
Ipsilateral upper motor neurons signs
Lateral spinothalamic tract lesion
Contralateral loss of pain and
temperature sense
UMN
Hemicord lesion
R L
DRG
DRG
T12
Click to animate
Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
The End
D. Michael McKeough, PT, EdD
 2015

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Spinal Cord Lesion Symptoms

  • 1. Lesions of the Spinal Cord Learning Module Click to Begin
  • 2. Used with permission of the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy of the APTA Do not duplicate without acknowledging Learning Activity author Michael McKeough, PT, EdD
  • 3. Contents Overview Introduction Learning Objectives Instructions Legend Read these Instructions! Review of functional systems in the spinal cord Lateral corticospinal tract Dorsal column-medial lemniscal system Lateral spinothalamic tract Lesion lessons Dorsal column lesion Fasciculus gracilis lesion Fasciculus cuneatus lesion Lateral corticospinal tract lesion Lateral spinothalamic tract lesion Patient Cases Case 1 Case 2 Case 3 Transverse cord lesion Hemicord lesion Central cord syndrome Anterior cord syndrome Posterior cord syndrome Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 5. Introduction • This module reviews lesions of the spinal cord • Module organization consists of three components. Review of functional systems in the spinal cord (lateral corticospinal tract, DCML, and lateral spinothalamic tract), lesion lessons (9 interactive lesions with feedback), and patient cases (3 interactive cases with feedback). • At the bottom of each page, a navigation bar contains options to move throughout the module. • Material is presented at both the behavioral level and the neuroanatomical level. • The behavioral level is presented first and depicts a patient’s clinical presentation. • The neuroanatomical level depicts the detailed anatomy of first- order, second-order and third-order neurons. • The neuroanatomical level accounts for the patient’s behavioral presentation on examination under normal and lesioned conditions. Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 6. Learning Objectives After completing this module you should be able to: 1. describe the signs and symptoms caused by a lesion of the spinal cord (fasciculus gracilis and fasciculus cuneatus, lateral corticospinal tract, and lateral spinothalamic tract). 2. given a patient case (examination results and chief complaint), identify the functional systems causing the sensory and motor impairments. 3. correlate neurology information between the behavioral and neuroanatomical levels. Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 7. Instructions • This module contains 9 interactive lesion lessons with animation. • Lesson lessons begin with a question about the symptoms produced by that particular lesion. • Clicking the answer button will reveal the answer to the question. • Clicking the explanation button will lead to both behavioral and neuroanatomical explanations of the lesion. • Each presentation is launched by clicking the animation button. The same button serves to replay the animation if desired. • Any of the lessons may be accessed by simply clicking on the lesion title on the Contents page. • Please refer to the Legend that defines the symbols used throughout the module. Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 8. Legend First-order neuron Second-order neuron Third-order neuron Pain stimulus Mechanism of injury Lesion Sensory impairment Function intact Function lost Light touch stimulus Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 9. Review of Functional Systems in the Spinal Cord Lateral corticospinal tract Dorsal column-medial lemniscal system Lateral spinothalamic tract Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 10. Lateral Corticospinal Tract Voluntary Knee Extension: Behavioral Description Voluntary movement is controlled by a system of brain and spinal motor centers linked by neuronal pathways. The primary motor pathway (Corticospinal tract) is crossed such that the left hemisphere controls movement of the right half of the body and vise versa. Motor pathways consist of upper and lower motor neurons. Upper motor neurons originate in the precentral gyrus, decussate in the medulla, descend in the lateral column of the spinal cord, and terminate on lower motor neurons in the ventral horn. Lower motor neurons exit the CNS and innervate skeletal muscles via the peripheral nervous system. Click to animate Neuroanatomical Explanation Stimulus UMN LMN Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 11. Lateral Corticospinal Tract Voluntary Knee Extension: Neuroanatomical Description The cell body of the upper motor neuron is located in he precentral gyrus (somatotopically organized). The axon descends through the internal capsule, decussates in the medulla, descends through the lateral column of the spinal cord and terminates in the ventral horn. The cell body of the lower motor neuron is located in the ventral horn. The axon exits the CNS via ventral rootlets of spinal nerves and innervates skeletal muscle via a peripheral nerve. Skeletal muscles contract to produce the force to extend the knee. Behavioral Explanation Stimulus UMN LMN Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 12. The cell body of the upper motor neuron is located in he precentral gyrus (somatotopically organized). The axon descends through the internal capsule, decussates in the medulla, descends through the lateral column of the spinal cord and terminates in the ventral horn. The cell body of the lower motor neuron is located in the ventral horn. The axon exits the CNS via spinal nerves and innervates skeletal muscle via a peripheral nerve. Skeletal muscles contract to produce the force to extend the knee. Behavioral Explanation Stimulus UMN LMN Lateral Corticospinal Tract Voluntary Knee Extension: Neuroanatomical Description Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 13. Thalamus Fasciculus Gracilis Fasciculus Cuneatus Nucleus Gracilis Nucleus Cuneatus Primary sensory cortex Dorsal Column-Medial Lemniscal System Discriminative touch, vibration, and position information from the body is conveyed by the dorsal column-medial lemniscal system (DCML). The DCML is a crossed system. It originates from mechano-receptors (sensory receptors sensitive to mechanical deformation) located in the body wall and projects to the contralateral cerebral hemisphere via a three neuron projection system. The DCML is comprised of the fasciculus gracilis and fasciculus cuneatus. Fasciculus gracilis Fasciculus cuneatus First-order neuron Second-order neuron Third-order neuron Stimulus Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 14. Thalamus Fasciculus Gracilis Nucleus Gracilis Primary sensory cortex Fasciculus Gracilis: Behavioral Description Click to animate Fasciculus gracilis: light touch, vibration, and position sense from the contralateral leg and lower trunk Consists of a 3-neuron projection system extending from receptors in the periphery to the primary somatosensory cortex (Click neuroanatomical explanation) Fasciculus gracilis Neuroanatomical Explanation Fasciculus cuneatus First-order neuron Second-order neuron Third-order neuron Stimulus Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 15. Click to animate Fasciculus Gracilis: Neuroanatomical Description First-order neurons Cell body: dorsal root ganglion (DRG) Distal axon: innervates mechanoreceptors in leg and lower trunk via peripheral nerves Proximal axon: enter dorsal column (fasciculus gracilis), ascend ipsilaterally and terminate in the nucleus gracilis Second-order neurons Cell body: nucleus gracilis Axon: decussates in the medulla and projects to the contralateral thalamus (ventral posterior lateral nucleus, VPL) via the medial lemniscus Third-order neurons Cell body: VPL of thalamus Axon: ascends via the posterior limb of the internal capsule and terminates in the primary somatosensory cortex DRG Behavioral Explanation Fasciculus cuneatus Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 16. Fasciculus cuneatus: light touch, vibration, and position sense from the contralateral arm and upper trunk Consists of a 3-neuron projection system extending from receptors in the periphery to the primary somatosensory cortex (Click neuroanatomical explanation) Thalamus Nucleus Cuneatus Primary sensory cortex Fasciculus Cuneatus Fasciculus cuneatus: Click to animate Fasciculus Cuneatus: Behavioral Description Neuroanatomical Explanation First-order neuron Second-order neuron Third-order neuron Stimulus Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 17. Click to animate First-order neurons Cell body: dorsal root ganglion (DRG) Distal axon: innervates mechanoreceptors in arm and upper trunk via peripheral nerves Proximal axon: enter dorsal column (fasciculus cuneatus), ascend ipsilaterally and terminate in the nucleus cuneatus Second-order neurons Cell body: nucleus cuneatus Axon: decussates in the medulla and projects to the contralateral thalamus (ventral posterior lateral nucleus, VPL) via the medial lemniscus Third-order neurons Cell body: VPL of thalamus Axon: ascends via the posterior limb of the internal capsule and terminates in the primary somatosensory cortex Fasciculus Cuneatus: Neuroanatomical Description DRG Behavioral Explanation Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 18. Thalamus Primary sensory cortex Lateral spinothalamic tract Lateral Spinothalamic Tract: Behavioral Description Information about pain and temperature from the body is conveyed via several spinal tracts collectively known as the anterolateral system. The lateral spinothalamic tract (LSTT) is the most prominent among these. The LSTT is a crossed system. It originates from nociceptors (free nerve endings and chemo-receptors) and projects to the opposite (contralateral) cerebral hemisphere via a three neuron projection system. Click to animate Neuroanatomical Explanation First-order neuron Second-order neuron Third-order neuron Stimulus Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 19. The Lateral Spinothalamic Tract: Neuroanatomical Description First-order neurons Cell body: dorsal root ganglion (DRG) Distal axon: innervates nociceptors via peripheral nerves Proximal axon: enter the spinal cord, diverge 1-3 levels and terminate on second-order neurons in the dorsal horn Second-order neurons Cell body: dorsal horn Axon: decussates at or about the level of entry and projects to the contralateral thalamus (ventral posterior lateral nucleus, VPL) via the lateral spinothalamic tract Third-order neurons Cell body: VPL of thalamus Axon: ascends via the posterior limb of the internal capsule and terminates in the primary somatosensory cortex DRG Click to animate Behavioral Explanation Lateral spinothalamic tract Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 20. Lesion Lessons Dorsal column lesion Fasciculus gracilis lesion Fasciculus cuneatus lesion Lateral corticospinal tract lesion Lateral spinothalamic tract lesion Transverse cord lesion Hemicord lesion Central cord syndrome Anterior cord syndrome Posterior cord syndrome Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 21. Lesion of the right dorsal column at L1 produces what impairment? Click for answer Damage to the right dorsal column at L1 causes the absence of light touch, vibration, and position sensation in the right leg. Only fasciculus gracilis exists below T6. Click for explanation R L Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 22. Right Dorsal Column Lesion Dorsal column lesion Ipsilateral loss of light touch, vibration, and position sense generalized below the lesion level Below T6 only the fasciculus gracilis is present. R L DRG L1 Common causes include MS, penetrating injuries, and compression from tumors. Click to animate Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 23. Lesion of the left fasciculus gracilis at T8 produces what impairment? Click for answer Damage to the left fasciculus gracilis at T8 causes the absence of light touch, vibration, and position sensation in the left leg and lower left trunk. Only the fasciculus gracilis exists below T6. Click for explanation Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 24. Thalamus Fasciculus Gracilis Fasciculus Cuneatus Nucleus Gracilis Nucleus Cuneatus Primary sensory cortex Lesion of the fasciculus gracilis on the left: Behavioral Explanation Sensory impairment: left leg and lower left trunk. Click to animate Sensory impairment: absence of light touch, vibration, and position sensation in the left leg and lower left trunk. Neuroanatomical Explanation Lesion Lost function Impairment Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 25. Lesion of the fasciculus gracilis on the left: Neuroanatomical Explanation Because the tract has not yet decussated, impairment is ipsilateral to the lesion. Lesion of first-order neurons interrupts ascending information so light touch, vibration, and position sensation is impaired in the left leg and lower left trunk. Receptors and reflex connections below the lesion level remain intact. Click to animate Behavioral Explanation Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 26. Lesion of the right fasciculus cuneatus at C3 produces what impairment? Click for answer Damage to the right fasciculus cuneatus at C3 causes the absence of light touch, vibration, and position sensation in the right arm and upper trunk. Click for explanation R L Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 27. Right Fasciculus Cuneatus Lesion Fasciculus cuneatus lesion Ipsilateral loss of light touch, vibration, and position sense In the right arm and upper trunk R L DRG C3 Common causes include MS, penetrating injuries, and compression from tumors. Click to animate Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 28. Lesion of the right lateral corticospinal tract at L1 produces what impairment? Click for answer Damage to the right lateral corticospinal tract at L1 causes upper motor neurons signs (weakness or paralysis, hyperreflexia, and hypertonia) in the right leg. Click for explanation R L Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 29. R L UMN Lateral corticospinal tract lesion Ipsilateral upper motor neurons signs generalized below the lesion level UMN signs Weakness (Spastic paralysis) Hyperreflexia (+ Babinski, clonus) Hypertonia Right Lateral Corticospinal Tract Lesion L1 Common causes include penetrating injuries, lateral compression from tumors, and MS. Click to animate Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 30. Click for answer Damage to the right lateral spinothalamic tract at L1 causes the absence of pain and temperature sensation in the left leg. Click for explanation Lesion of the right lateral spinothalamic tract at L1 produces what impairment? R L Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 31. R L DRG Lateral spinothalamic tract lesion Contralateral loss of pain and temperature sense Right Lateral Spinothalamic Tract Lesion L1 Common causes include MS, penetrating injuries, and compression from tumors. Click to animate Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 32. Click for answer Damage to the anterior gray and white commissures at C5-C6 causes the absence of pain and temperature sensation in the C5 and C6 dermatomes in both upper extremities. Click for explanation Lesion of the anterior gray and white commissures (central cord syndrome) at C5-C6 produces what impairment? R L Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 33. C5-C6 Central Cord Syndrome Lateral Spinothalamic Tract Impaired pain and temperature sensation, C5-C6 dermatomes, bilaterally DRG DRG R L Common causes include posttraumatic contusion and syringomyelia, and intrinsic spinal cord tumors. Click to animate Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 34. Click for answer Damage to the right dorsal columns at L1 causes the absence of light touch, vibration, and position sense in the right leg. Damage to the lateral corticospinal tract causes upper motor neuron signs in the right leg (Monoplegia), and damage to the lateral spinothalamic tract causes the absence of pain and temperature sensation in the left leg. Click for explanation Complete transection of the right half the spinal cord (Hemicord or Brown-Sequard syndrome) at L1 produces what impairments? R L Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 35. R L Hemicord Lesion (Brown-Sequard Syndrome) Dorsal column lesion Ipsilateral loss of light touch, vibration, and position sense Lateral corticospinal tract lesion Ipsilateral upper motor neurons signs Lateral spinothalamic tract lesion Contralateral loss of pain and temperature sense Hemicord lesion Build the lesion L1 Common causes include penetrating injuries, lateral compression from tumors, and MS. Click to animate
  • 36. Hemicord Lesion (Brown-Sequard Syndrome) Dorsal column lesion Ipsilateral loss of light touch, vibration, and position sense Lateral corticospinal tract lesion Ipsilateral upper motor neurons signs Lateral spinothalamic tract lesion Contralateral loss of pain and temperature sense UMN Hemicord lesion R L DRG DRG L1 Click to animate Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 37. Click for answer Damage to the dorsal columns, bilaterally, causes the absence of light touch, vibration, and position sense in the both legs. Damage to the lateral corticospinal tracts, bilaterally, cause upper motor neuron signs in the both legs (Paraplegia), and damage to the lateral spinothalamic tracts, bilaterally, cause the absence of pain and temperature sensation in the both legs. Click for explanation Complete transection of the spinal cord (Transverse cord lesion) at L1 would produce what impairments? R L Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 38. R L Dorsal column lesion Bilateral loss of light touch, vibration, and position sense Lateral corticospinal tract lesion Bilateral upper motor neurons signs Lateral spinothalamic tract lesion Bilateral loss of pain and temperature sense Transverse Cord Lesion Transverse cord lesion Build the lesion Common causes include trauma, tumors, transverse myelitis, and MS. Click to animate Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 39. R L Transverse Cord Lesion UMN UMN DRG DRG Transverse cord lesion Dorsal column lesion Ipsilateral loss of light touch, vibration, and position sense Lateral corticospinal tract lesion Ipsilateral upper motor neurons signs Lateral spinothalamic tract lesion Contralateral loss of pain and temperature sense Click to animate Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 40. Click for answer Damage to the dorsal columns (fasciculus gracilis and cuneatus), bilaterally, causes the absence of light touch, vibration, and position sense, bilaterally, from the neck down (below the lesion level). Click for explanation Complete transection of the dorsal columns, bilaterally, (posterior cord syndrome) in the cervical region would produce what impairments? R L Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 41. R L Posterior Cord Syndrome DRG DRG Dorsal column lesion (bilateral) Bilateral loss of light touch, vibration, and position sense, generalized below lesion level Common causes include trauma, compression from posteriorly located tumors, and MS. Click to animate Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 42. Click for answer Damage to the lateral corticospinal tracts cause upper motor neuron signs, bilaterally, below the lesion level. Damage to lower motor neurons in the ventral horns cause lower motor neuron signs, bilaterally, at the lesion level. Damage to the lateral spinothalamic tracts cause absence of pain and temperature sensation, bilaterally, below the lesion level. Sparing of the dorsal columns leaves light touch, vibration, and position sense intact throughout. Click for explanation Complete transection of the lateral corticospinal and lateral spinothalamic tracts with sparing of the dorsal columns, bilaterally, (anterior cord syndrome) in the cervical region would produce what impairments? R L Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 43. UMN DRG UMN DRG R L Anterior cord lesion Lateral corticospinal tract lesion Ipsilateral upper motor neurons signs Contralateral loss of pain and temperature sense Lateral spinothalamic tract lesion Anterior Cord Syndrome Common causes include anterior spinal artery infarct, trauma, and MS. Click to animate Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 44. Patient Cases Read these instructions! Patient Case 1 Patient Case 2 Patient Case 3 Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 45. Case Instructions • These patient cases are intended to facilitate the integration and clinical application of information about lesions of the spinal cord by coupling the findings on examination and patient interview with their neuroanatomical correlates. • Each case begins with the patient’s chief complaint and significant examination findings. Then, the question is asked, Damage to what system(s) is causing this patient’s problems? Clicking the Answer button will reveal the answer and clicking the Show lesion button will reveal the neuroanatomic lesion along with the patient’s behavioral impairments. • Cases are presented from two perspectives. What lesion would account for a given set of examination results and patient history? For a given lesion, what signs and symptoms would be expected on examination? • Click on a case number to begin the exercise. Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 46. Case 1 The patient complains of “clumsiness” of her left leg due to uncertainty of the limb’s position in space. Active and passive ROM and strength are within normal limits (WNL) throughout. Light touch, two-point discrimination, proprioception, and vibration sense are intact in the right lower extremity but absent in all dermatomes below the umbilicus in the left lower extremity. She is able to distinguish sharp from dull WNL in lower extremities, bilaterally. Damage to what system(s) is causing this patient’s problems? Lesion of the left dorsal column (fasciculus gracilis) at approximately T10. Lateral corticospinal tracts are intact, bilaterally: AROM and strength are WNL Lateral spinothalamic tracts are intact, bilaterally: sharp/dull is WNL Dorsal column is intact on the right: light touch, two-point discrimination, proprioception, and vibration are WNL Dorsal column is absent on the left: light touch, two-point discrimination, proprioception (limb position in space), and vibration are absent in all dermatomes below the umbilicus Lesion level, T10: the umbilicus is located in the T10 dermatome Answer Show lesion Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 47. R L Left Dorsal Column Lesion DRG Dorsal column lesion Ipsilateral loss of light touch, vibration, and position sense Click to animate T10 Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 48. Case 2 After a fall from his horse, the patient was alert and oriented but unable to move anything but his head. He was unable to sense light touch or pain from the neck down. He could turn his head but shoulder shrug was weak. Speech was normal but respiration was labored and required a respirator. Damage to what system(s) is causing this patient’s problems? Complete transection of the spinal cord (transverse lesion ) at approximately C3 (Tetroplegia, Christopher Reeve) Lateral corticospinal tracts absent, bilaterally, below C3: unable to move any body part except head and shoulder shrug (C3-5) Dorsal columns absent , bilaterally, below C3: unable to sense light touch below neck Lateral spinothalamic tracts absent, bilaterally, below C3: unable to sense pain below neck Lesion level, C3: patient was alert and oriented (cortex and reticular activating system intact), he could turn his head (spinal accessory nerve), shoulder shrug and respiration were weak (shoulder elevator and respiratory muscles C3-5) Answer Show lesion Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 49. R L Transverse Cord Lesion UMN UMN DRG DRG Transverse cord lesion Dorsal column lesion Ipsilateral loss of light touch, vibration, and position sense Lateral corticospinal tract lesion Ipsilateral upper motor neurons signs Lateral spinothalamic tract lesion Contralateral loss of pain and temperature sense Click to animate C3 Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 50. Case 3 Following surgical repair of a knife wound the patient is unable to stand or walk because he is unable to move or bear weight on his right leg. Light touch, position and vibration sense are WNL in the left lower extremity but absent in the right below the crest of the ilium. Active range of motion and strength are normal in the left lower extremity but absent in the right (hip, knee, and ankle). Pain and temperature sensation are intact in the right lower extremity but absent in the left below T12. Damage to what system(s) is causing this patient’s problems? Hemisection of the spinal cord on the right at approximately L1 Dorsal column is intact on the left but absent on the right: light touch, position and vibration sense are WNL in the left lower extremity but absent in the right Lateral corticospinal tract is intact on the left but absent on the right: active range of motion and strength are normal in the left lower extremity but absent in the right Lateral spinothalamic tract is intact on the left but absent on the right: pain and temperature sensation are intact in the right lower extremity but absent in the left Lesion level, approximately L1: hip flexion absent on right (L2), pain and temperature sense absent below T12 Answer Show lesion Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 51. Hemicord Lesion (Brown-Sequard Syndrome) Dorsal column lesion Ipsilateral loss of light touch, vibration, and position sense Lateral corticospinal tract lesion Ipsilateral upper motor neurons signs Lateral spinothalamic tract lesion Contralateral loss of pain and temperature sense UMN Hemicord lesion R L DRG DRG T12 Click to animate Contents Functional Systems Lesions Patient Cases Exit
  • 52. The End D. Michael McKeough, PT, EdD  2015