What condition is characterized by weakness in the upper extremities more than the lower extremities?

The condition characterized by weakness in the upper extremities more than the lower extremities is central cord syndrome. This syndrome typically occurs due to injury or degeneration affecting the central portion of the spinal cord. It is most commonly seen in older adults, often related to cervical spondylotic myelopathy or traumatic injury, such as hyperextension injuries of the neck.

In central cord syndrome, patients present with a characteristic pattern of motor weakness where the upper limbs are more severely affected than the lower limbs. This can lead to difficulties with fine motor tasks and upper body strength, while lower limb function may remain comparatively intact. Sensory deficits can also occur, often affecting pain and temperature sensation, sparing proprioception and vibratory sense due to the original location of the lesion impacting mainly the anterior pathways.

Other options describe different syndromes with distinct patterns of weakness and sensory loss:

• Brown-Sequard syndrome results from hemisection of the spinal cord and presents with weakness and loss of proprioception on the side of the lesion, and loss of pain and temperature sensation on the contralateral side.

• Transverse myelitis involves inflammation across a segment of the spinal cord, leading to bilateral weakness and sensory disturbances at the level of the lesion, along with