Question

Syringomyelia results in damage to the spinothalamic tract 2nd-order neurons crossing in the anterior white commissure. What is the effect of this damage?

1) Loss of pain and temperature sensation on the contralateral side of the body
2) Loss of proprioception and vibration sensation on the ipsilateral side of the body
3) Loss of pain and temperature sensation on the ipsilateral side of the body
4) Loss of proprioception and vibration sensation on the contralateral side of the body

Answer 1

Syringomyelia results in loss of pain and temperature sensation on the contralateral side of the body.

Step-by-step explanation:

The damage to the spinothalamic tract 2nd-order neurons crossing in the anterior white commissure in syringomyelia leads to loss of pain and temperature sensation on the contralateral side of the body (option 1). The spinothalamic pathway decussates immediately upon entering the spinal cord, meaning that the damage on one side will affect sensation on the opposite side of the body.