What is the primary cause of central cord syndrome?

The primary cause of central cord syndrome is indeed trauma leading to hyperextension of the cervical area. This condition typically occurs in older adults who have pre-existing cervical spondylosis, where the degenerative changes in the cervical spine narrow the spinal canal and make the cervical vertebrae more susceptible to injury. When hyperextension occurs, it can result in damage to the central portion of the spinal cord, leading to varying degrees of motor and sensory deficits, particularly affecting the upper limbs more than the lower limbs. This pattern of injury is characteristic of central cord syndrome, distinguishing it from other spinal cord injuries that may affect the entire cord or specific tracts.

Other causes may involve compression due to lesions or other factors, but hyperextension trauma is the most common mechanism specifically associated with central cord syndrome, which is clinically significant for paramedics and healthcare providers in understanding the nature of spinal cord injuries.