Predictors of Neurologic Recovery in Acute Central Cervical Cord Injury With Only Upper Extremity Impairment

Abstract

In patients with ACCSCI-U, a favorable neurologic prognosis can be predicted following nonsurgical treatment. Most recovery occurred by 6 weeks, and patients with severe initial neurologic damage and old age had poorer recovery. Touch and pin sensation recovered at the same rate, whereas motor recovered more quickly. The absence of abnormal MRI signal intensity in the spinal cord and a good early neurologic improvement were the significant predictors of long-term improvement in neurologic function.