Related Experiment Videos
Sudden quadriplegia after acute cervical disc herniation
Venkatraman Sadanand1, Michael Kelly, George Varughese
1Division of Neurosurgery, Royal University Hospital, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Summary
A sudden sneeze caused acute quadriplegia from cervical disc herniation in a patient without prior spinal stenosis. This rare neurological event highlights the potential for severe outcomes from seemingly minor triggers.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Spinal Surgery
Background:
- Acute neurological deterioration from cervical disc herniation is rare, with few reported cases.
- Most prior cases involved pre-existing spinal canal stenosis exacerbating disc herniation.
Observation:
- A 42-year-old man experienced sudden arm and leg weakness and numbness after a sneeze.
- Physical examination revealed progressing upper motor neuron signs, leading to C5 quadriplegia.
- MRI confirmed a massive C4/5 disc herniation, necessitating emergency surgery.
Findings:
- The patient underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion but remained quadriplegic postoperatively.
- Autopsy confirmed successful surgical decompression of the spinal cord.
- The patient unfortunately expired from a pulmonary embolism during rehabilitation.
Implications:
- This case highlights that acute quadriplegia from cervical disc herniation can occur without prior myelopathy or stenosis.
- Even benign events like sneezing can precipitate severe neurological deficits.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering cervical disc herniation in acute neurological deterioration, irrespective of pre-existing conditions.