skip to main content

Anterior Cord Syndrome – Anterior Spinal Artery — SCE Neurology MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateCerebrovascular DiseaseAnterior Cord Syndrome – Anterior Spinal ArterySCE Neurology

A 50-year-old man presents with sudden onset bilateral leg weakness, urinary retention, and loss of pain and temperature sensation in both legs, with PRESERVED proprioception and vibration. He has no back pain. MRI shows an acute anterior spinal artery infarct at T8. What syndrome is this?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Anterior cord syndrome — sparing dorsal columns

Anterior cord syndrome results from anterior spinal artery occlusion, damaging the anterior two-thirds of the cord (corticospinal tracts, spinothalamic tracts, anterior horns) while sparing the posterior third (dorsal columns). This produces bilateral motor paralysis and spinothalamic sensory loss below the level, with preserved dorsal column function (proprioception, vibration, light touch). Prognosis is generally poor. A: Posterior cord syndrome is the opposite pattern. B: Brown-Séquard is hemisection. D: Central cord spares lower > upper limbs. E: Cauda equina is LMN.

Reference: Clinical Neuroanatomy; RCP Stroke Guidelines