Tapia syndrome after cervical spine surgery

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Tapia syndrome is a rare neurological disorder involving unilateral tongue and vocal cord paralysis.
• It is typically caused by lesions affecting the glossopharyngeal (IXth) and hypoglossal (XIIth) cranial nerves.
• This syndrome has not been previously reported as an immediate complication following spine surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of Tapia syndrome occurring after posterior cervical spine surgery.
• To discuss potential mechanisms for this unusual post-operative complication.

Main Methods:

• A case study of a 47-year-old male patient who underwent posterior decompressive laminectomy for cervical stenosis.
• Clinical diagnosis based on post-operative symptoms of hoarseness and tongue deviation.
• Exclusion of other potential surgical or craniocervical causes.

Main Results:

• The patient developed unilateral tongue and vocal cord paralysis (Tapia syndrome) after an uneventful cervical laminectomy.
• Laryngoscopic examination confirmed left-sided tongue and soft palate paralysis, and complete left vocal cord palsy.
• Other potential causes were ruled out, confirming the diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• Tapia syndrome is a rare but possible complication following posterior cervical spine surgery.
• The exact mechanism remains unclear, but surgical manipulation or positioning may play a role.
• This case expands the known clinical spectrum of Tapia syndrome and its potential iatrogenic causes.