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Lateral medullary syndrome after prone position for general surgery
Ya-Chun Chu1, Shen-Kou Tsai, Kwok-Hon Chan
1Department of Anesthesiology, Taipei-Veterans General Hospital and National Yang-Ming University, School of Medicine, Taipei 11221, Taiwan.
Anesthesia and Analgesia
|October 29, 2002
Summary
Improper head rotation during surgery can cause lateral medullary syndrome. This condition, characterized by myoclonic spasm, may result from vertebral artery obstruction in patients with prior cervical trauma.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Lateral medullary syndrome is a rare neurological condition.
- Cervical spinal trauma can predispose patients to vascular complications.
Observation:
- This case report details a patient experiencing lateral medullary syndrome with myoclonic spasm postoperatively.
- The syndrome developed following a surgical procedure requiring specific patient positioning.
Findings:
- The primary finding suggests a link between intraoperative head rotation and vertebral artery compromise.
- Diminished blood flow (perfusion) in the lateral medulla was observed, correlating with the patient's symptoms.
Implications:
- Anesthesiologists and surgeons must be vigilant about patient positioning, especially in those with a history of cervical trauma.
- Careful head and neck manipulation during surgery can prevent vertebral artery dissection and subsequent neurological deficits.