Surfer's myelopathy: case report and review
Amna Karabegovic1, Shirley Strachan-Jackman, David Carr
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
CJEM
|September 30, 2011
Summary
Surfer's myelopathy, a spinal cord injury from surfing, is likely caused by ischemia. This report reviews the presentation, causes, and management of this condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sports Medicine
- Spinal Cord Injury
Background:
- Nontraumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a newly identified neurological condition linked to surfing.
- First described in 2004, surfer's myelopathy is suspected to have an ischemic origin.
Observation:
- A 25-year-old male experienced progressive lower extremity weakness, sensory changes, and urinary retention after surfing.
- Symptoms began shortly after his initial surfing lesson, leading to a diagnosis of surfer's myelopathy.
Findings:
- The case highlights the clinical presentation of surfer's myelopathy.
- This condition is increasingly being recognized in the medical community.
Implications:
- Understanding the etiology and risk factors is crucial for diagnosis and management.
- Early recognition and intervention may improve patient outcomes for this specific SCI.
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