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Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Action Observation Training in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Published on: August 9, 2024
An unusual form of occipitocervical assimilation presenting with spastic tetraparesis in a child
James Anthony Lee1, Martin James Wood
1Department of Paediatric Neurosurgery, Mater Children's Hospital, South Brisbane, Qld., Australia.
Insights
Congenital atlas abnormalities can cause severe spinal cord compression in children, mimicking cerebral palsy symptoms. Early diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management of this rare condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neurology
- Developmental abnormalities
- Spinal cord imaging
Background:
- Cerebral palsy is a common childhood diagnosis.
- Upper cervical spine abnormalities causing spinal cord compression are rare.
- These abnormalities can present with symptoms mimicking acquired brain injury.
Abstract:
A diagnosis of 'cerebral palsy' in childhood is relatively common. Abnormalities of the upper cervical spine causing spinal cord compression are rare, but can be a cause of symptoms and signs that may otherwise be attributed to brain injury acquired during development. We present an interesting case of a congenital abnormality of the atlas causing severe cervical spinal cord compression in a 9-year-old child, together with a discussion of the relevant aspects of spinal development and a review of the literature.
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