Nontraumatic acute paraplegia associated with cervical disk herniation.
Chao Liu1, Yue Huang, Hong-Xin Cai
1Department of Orthopaedics, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Institute of Clinical Medicine of Zhejiang University, Hang Zhou, China.
The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine
|November 11, 2010
Summary
Acute paraplegia can result from cervical disk herniation without trauma. Prompt surgical decompression is crucial for improving neurologic function and preventing permanent deficits.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Cord Medicine
Background:
- Acute paraplegia is a medical emergency, frequently caused by trauma.
- Cervical disk herniation is an uncommon cause of acute paraplegia, especially without prior injury.
Observation:
- A 75-year-old male presented with sudden-onset paraplegia.
- The cause was identified as severe spinal cord compression from a C4-C5 cervical disk herniation.
Findings:
- The patient underwent emergency diskectomy and anterior fusion.
- Post-operative recovery showed gradual improvement in neurologic functions.
Implications:
- Cervical disk herniation must be considered in non-traumatic acute paraplegia cases.
- A narrow spinal canal and neck movements are potential contributing factors.
- Early decompressive surgery is vital to prevent irreversible neurological damage.
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