Anterior Cord Syndrome

Anterior Spinal Artery Syndrome (ASAS), also known as Anterior Cord Syndrome, is a rare type of incomplete spinal cord injury. It occurs when blood flow through the anterior spinal artery is reduced or blocked, causing damage to the front portion of the spinal cord. This can result in motor weakness, sensory loss, and impaired function below the level of the injury.

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we specialise in neurological rehabilitation for adults recovering from spinal cord injuries, including ASAS. Our expert team provides intensive inpatient therapy, nursing, and consultant-led care in a calm, supportive environment.

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What Happens In Anterior Cord Syndrome?

The anterior spinal artery supplies the front two-thirds of the spinal cord. If this blood supply is interrupted—often due to trauma, aortic surgery, blood clots, or vascular conditions—oxygen fails to reach the spinal cord, resulting in nerve damage.

Patients typically retain touch, vibration and proprioception (position sense) but lose motor control, pain and temperature sensation below the level of the injury.

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Common Causes

• Trauma (e.g. spinal fracture, disc herniation)
• Vascular conditions (e.g. aortic dissection, hypotension)
• Spinal surgery or instrumentation
• Aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation (AVM)
• Inflammatory or autoimmune vasculitis
• Severe hypotension during critical illness

Symptoms Of Anterior Cord Syndrome

Symptoms vary depending on the spinal level affected but may include:

• Sudden or progressive weakness or paralysis in legs or arms
• Loss of pain and temperature sensation below the level of injury
• Preserved light touch and vibration senses
• Bowel and bladder dysfunction
• Muscle spasticity or stiffness as recovery progresses
• Difficulty walking, standing or sitting unsupported

This pattern reflects damage to the corticospinal tract and spinothalamic tract, with preservation of the dorsal columns.

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How It’s Diagnosed

ASAS is diagnosed using a combination of clinical signs and imaging:

• Neurological examination to map motor and sensory changes
• MRI spine to assess the extent of spinal cord damage and rule out structural causes
• Vascular studies (e.g. MRA or CTA) in select cases to identify arterial blockages or vascular anomalies

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, most imaging is completed prior to admission. We focus on post‑acute rehabilitation and functional recovery.

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Rehabilitation At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital

We provide a comprehensive inpatient neurorehabilitation programme tailored to spinal cord injury, including:

Consultant-Led Care

Regular review from a consultant in rehabilitation medicine and access to multidisciplinary input.

Physiotherapy

• Functional movement retraining
• Gait re-education with parallel bars, treadmill and hoists
• Strength, posture and endurance work
• Spasticity management and passive stretching
• Support with orthotics or mobility aids

Occupational Therapy

• Upper limb rehabilitation
• Activities of daily living (ADL) retraining
• Functional seating and wheelchair assessment
• Energy conservation and home adaptations planning

Nursing Support

• 24/7 specialist nursing for spinal cord injury care
• Bowel and bladder support programmes
• Pressure ulcer prevention and skin care
• Medication administration and wound care

Additional Services

• Neuropsychology for mood, adjustment and cognition
• Speech & language therapy where swallowing or communication is affected
• Dietetic advice for nutritional support and bowel function
• Access to a discharge coordinator and social worker

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When To Refer Or Enquire

We accept adult patients (18+) with a confirmed diagnosis of Anterior Spinal Artery Syndrome who are medically stable and ready to begin active rehabilitation.

You can enquire directly, or we welcome referrals from:

• NHS hospitals
• Case managers and solicitors
• Private insurers
• GPs or self-referring families

Call 01296 678800 or enquire online to discuss availability, funding and admission criteria.

Why Choose Royal Bucks?

• One of the UK’s leading centres for spinal cord injury rehabilitation
• Experienced in complex neurological presentations including ASAS
• On-site therapy 5–7 days per week with access to specialist equipment
• Quiet, private inpatient setting with chef-prepared meals and ensuite rooms
• Strong outcomes in mobility, independence and discharge planning