What can be expected in a patient with anterior cord syndrome?

In anterior cord syndrome, the injury affects the anterior portion of the spinal cord, which primarily impacts motor function and certain sensory pathways. This condition typically results in bilateral weakness due to the damage to the corticospinal tracts, which are responsible for voluntary movement. Meanwhile, proprioception and vibration sense, transmitted by the dorsal columns, are preserved because those tracts are located in the posterior part of the spinal cord, which remains intact in anterior cord syndrome.

The preservation of proprioception and vibration sense is a hallmark of this syndrome. Patients will often show significant motor deficits, but they can still sense their position and vibratory stimuli. This characteristic pattern helps differentiate anterior cord syndrome from other types of spinal cord injuries.

The other options do not accurately reflect the clinical presentation associated with anterior cord syndrome. For instance, complete loss of all sensory perceptions is not typical; instead, some sensory functions remain. Additionally, the presence of bilateral weakness with full sensation contradicts the expected findings of motor impairment. Finally, stating that only pain sensations persist overlooks the preservation of proprioception and vibration, which is a key feature of this syndrome.