Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2026
07:17
Establishing a Mouse Contusion Spinal Cord Injury Model Based on a Minimally Invasive Technique
Published on: September 7, 2022
Exercise related spinal cord infarction: a case report
Nai-Chuan Chen1, Chih-Hao Yeh, Chun-Tai Hui
1Department of Family Medicine, Wei Gong Memorial Hospital, Miaoli, Taiwan.
Acta Neurologica Taiwanica
|September 9, 2010
Summary
Sudden neck rotation can cause fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE), leading to spinal cord ischemia and neurological deficits. Prompt treatment with aspirin and steroids improved patient outcomes, highlighting exercise risks.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Spinal Cord Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) is a rare but serious condition.
- Sudden disc pressure elevation can lead to material entering spinal vessels, causing embolism.
- This can result in acute neurological deficits.
Observation:
- A patient experienced sudden left upper extremity weakness after neck rotation exercise.
- Symptoms progressed to quadriparesis and urinary incontinence.
- Cervical spine MRI revealed spondylosis, osteophytes, thecal sac indentation, and C3 spinal cord edema.
Findings:
- The patient's presentation was consistent with spinal cord ischemia secondary to FCE from intervertebral discs.
- Cervical spondylosis and degenerative changes were noted.
- Focal T2-high intensity edema in the C3 spinal cord gray matter was observed.
Implications:
- Neck rotation exercises, common in rehabilitation, carry potential neurological risks.
- Awareness of these risks is crucial, especially with non-professional execution.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment (aspirin, steroids) can lead to significant clinical improvement.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology
Early Ischemia and Ionic ImbalanceWithin minutes of spinal cord injury, a secondary cascade begins, progressing over hours to weeks. Vascular damage reduces blood flow, causing ischemia and mitochondrial dysfunction. ATP depletion leads to ion pump failure, membrane depolarization, sodium influx, potassium efflux, and water accumulation, resulting in cellular swelling. Increased intracellular calcium further disrupts mitochondria and accelerates cellular injury.Excitotoxicity and Neuronal...
01:14Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology
Spinal cord injury progresses through two interconnected phases: primary injury and secondary injury.Primary InjuryPrimary injury happens at the moment of trauma and involves immediate mechanical damage to the spinal cord.Compression happens when broken vertebrae, herniated discs, or accumulating blood (such as a hematoma) press directly against the spinal cord, distorting its normal shape and function. In cases of contusion, the cord is bruised by a blunt force (like penetrating injuries or...
01:29Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...