Diseases of the central nervous system are often confined to the spinal cord. The diagnosis of these diseases depends on the ability to recognize a limited number of distinctive syndromes. Woolsey and Young <sup>55 Woolsey R.M., Young R.R. Disorders of the spinal cord Neurol Clin 1991 ;  9 (3) : 573-583

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> estimate that there are 30 disorders of the spinal cord, of which about half are seen with any regularity. As is the case with disease affecting the other parts of the nervous system, knowledge of the anatomic organization is a prerequisite for the correct diagnosis and management of spinal cord disease.