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Acute disc prolapse secondary to seizure
Imran Satia1, Lynsey Goodwin, Salem Madi
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Wigan, UK. imransatia@gmail.com
BMJ Case Reports
|June 14, 2012
Summary
A generalized tonic-clonic seizure led to a cervical myelopathy diagnosis in a 37-year-old female after a fall. Prompt cervical MRI and surgery resulted in a good recovery, highlighting seizure consequences.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Generalized tonic-clonic seizures can have diverse etiologies and presentations.
- Traumatic injuries are a potential consequence of seizures, especially during falls.
- Cervical myelopathy is a serious condition affecting spinal cord function.
Observation:
- A 37-year-old female experienced a witnessed generalized tonic-clonic seizure.
- The patient sustained a head injury during the fall.
- Following the seizure, she developed gait disturbance and neurological deficits consistent with cervical myelopathy.
Findings:
- Initial investigations including blood tests, CT, and MR brain were unremarkable for seizure etiology.
- Cervical MRI revealed a significant disc prolapse with cord compression at the C5/6 level.
- Surgical intervention for the cervical disc prolapse led to a positive clinical outcome.
Implications:
- Seizures can precipitate secondary neurological deficits, such as cervical myelopathy.
- Prompt diagnostic imaging, including cervical MRI, is crucial in evaluating post-seizure neurological deficits.
- Awareness of potential seizure-related complications is essential for emergency and medical assessment units.
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