Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 5, 2026

Transtubular Endoscopic Posterolateral Decompression for L5-S1 Lumbar Lateral Disc Herniation
10:09

Transtubular Endoscopic Posterolateral Decompression for L5-S1 Lumbar Lateral Disc Herniation

Published on: October 14, 2022

3.8K

Cerebral ischemia, a rare postoperative complication of cervical disc herniation: a case report

Dahmane Elhairech1,2,3, Mohamed Lmejatti1,2

  • 1Neurosurgery Department, Hassan II University Hospital, Agadir City, Morocco.

The Pan African Medical Journal
|June 9, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Postoperative cerebral ischemia, a rare complication of cervical disc herniation surgery, can occur due to intraoperative carotid manipulation. Careful carotid management and preoperative assessment are crucial for high-risk patients undergoing this procedure.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Vascular Surgery

Background:

  • Cervical spondylotic myelopathy frequently necessitates surgical intervention.
  • Postoperative cerebral ischemia is an uncommon yet severe complication following cervical disc herniation surgery.
  • The underlying pathophysiology of this complication remains incompletely understood.

Observation:

  • A 52-year-old patient experienced immediate left hemiplegia and central facial palsy post-surgery for cervical disc herniation.
  • Imaging confirmed an ischemic stroke in the right Sylvian territory.
  • Pre-existing atherosclerotic changes in the right common carotid artery were noted.

Findings:

  • Intraoperative manipulation of the carotid artery is implicated as the primary cause of ischemia.
  • Early rehabilitation and antiplatelet therapy resulted in partial neurological recovery for the patient.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the critical need for meticulous carotid artery management during cervical spine surgery.
  • Preoperative evaluation of patients, particularly those with vascular risk factors, is essential to mitigate the risk of ischemic complications.
  • Enhanced vigilance and tailored surgical approaches may prevent stroke in patients undergoing cervical disc surgery.

Keywords:
Cervical herniacase reportischemic strokemedical treatmentsurgery

More Related Videos

Full-Endoscopic Isolation Zone Technique for the Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation05:42

Full-Endoscopic Isolation Zone Technique for the Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation

Published on: April 7, 2023

513
Author Spotlight: Enhancing Cerebral Ischemia Research with a Simplified Rat Model03:37

Author Spotlight: Enhancing Cerebral Ischemia Research with a Simplified Rat Model

Published on: July 5, 2024

481

Related Concept Videos

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction01:15

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction

Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
44
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:15

Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
54
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction01:17

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
20
Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction01:26

Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...
18
Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction01:29

Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction

Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...
40
Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology01:23

Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology

The symptoms of degenerative disc disease arise from a combination of mechanical compression, vascular compromise, and biochemical inflammation, which together disrupt nerve function and produce pain.Mechanical CompressionDisc degeneration reduces height and elasticity, predisposing to herniation of the nucleus pulposus, a major cause of radicular pain. Herniations may be protrusion (bulging with intact annulus), extrusion (nucleus extends beyond disc but remains connected), or sequestration...
30