Late-onset progressive radiculomyelopathy in patients with cervical athetoid-dystonic cerebral palsy

Eur Neurol. 1987;27(3):164-6. doi: 10.1159/000116150.

Abstract

Three patients with severe athetoid-dystonic type of cerebral palsy involving the neck musculature developed in their fourth to fifth decade progressive cervical radiculomyelopathy associated with vertebral spondylarthrotic compressive lesions in addition to their long-standing neurological syndrome. It is likely that the late-onset myelopathy is linked to continuous torsion, compression and 'wear and tear' of the cervical spinal cord, induced by the involuntary movements. In 2 patients decompressive cervical spinal surgery was ineffective, suggesting irreversible damage.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Athetosis / complications*
  • Cerebral Palsy / complications*
  • Dystonia / complications*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscular Atrophy / etiology
  • Spinal Cord Compression / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Cord Compression / etiology*
  • Spinal Nerve Roots*
  • Spondylitis / etiology
  • Time Factors
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed