Position-dependent arm dyskinesia due to severe craniocervical malformation

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Skeletal Dysplasias

Background:

• Spinal-generated movement disorders are complex and often misdiagnosed.
• They can originate from the spinal cord or involve both central and peripheral nervous systems.

Observation:

• An 83-year-old woman presented with severe craniocervical malformation, including basilar invagination and occipitocervical lordosis.
• She developed a distinct position-dependent left arm dyskinesia.

Findings:

• The dyskinesia was triggered by specific neck flexion combined with elbow contact on a surface.
• Anticonvulsant treatments were ineffective, and the patient experienced sudden death.

Implications:

• A novel form of position-dependent arm dyskinesia associated with severe craniocervical malformation has been identified.
• This case underscores the importance of considering structural spinal abnormalities in movement disorder diagnosis.