Anterior spinal artery syndrome. Report of seven cases in childhood.

The diagnosis of the anterior spinal artery syndrome can be reached with fair certainly by thorough clinical examination and knowledge of the underlying neuroanatomy. Sudden onset of para- or quadripareses, and dissociated sensory loss are the headmarks. Seven cases are reported who all had this diagnosis. The etiology is discussed with special reference to the possibility of a traumatic origin. The prognosis is variable, in spite of considerable initial impairment restitution in certain cases can be very good. Proposals for investigations are given.