Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to define as a distinct clinical entity the syndrome of cervical spinal cord neurapraxia with transient quadriplegia. Sensory changes include burning pain, numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation, while motor changes consist of weakness or complete paralysis. The episodes are transient, with complete recovery usually occurring in 10 to 15 minutes, although in some cases gradual resolution occurred over 36 to 48 hours. Except for burning paresthesia, neck pain is not present at the time of injury and there is complete return of motor function and full, pain-free cervical motion. A survey of 503 schools participating in NCAA football in the 1984 season found an incidence rate of 1.0 per 10,000 athletes with a history suggestive of cervical spine neurapraxia. The phenomenon of cervical spinal cord neurapraxia occurs in individuals with 1) developmental cervical spinal stenosis, 2) congenital fusions, 3) cervical instability, or 4) intervertebral disc protrusions when associated with a decrease in the antero-posterior diameter of the spinal canal. We postulate that athletes with diminution of the antero-posterior spinal canal diameter can on forced hyperextension or hyperflexion compress the spinal cord, causing transitory motor and sensory manifestations. Patients with this syndrome, and who have associated cervical spine instability or acute or chronic degenerative changes, should be precluded from further participation in contact sports. Verf.-Referat (gekuerzt)