Symptoms Of Spinal Cord Injury Research Articles

Symptomatic Treatment of Myelopathy.

This article discusses the effects of myelopathy on multiple organ systems and reviews the treatment and management of some of these effects. Recent advances in functional electrical stimulation, epidural spinal cord stimulation, robotics, and surgical techniques such as nerve transfer show promise in improving function in patients with myelopathy. Ongoing research in stem cell therapy and neurotherapeutic drugs may provide further therapeutic avenues in the future. Treatment for symptoms of spinal cord injury should be targeted toward patient goals. If nerve transfer for upper extremity function is considered, the patient should be evaluated at around 6 months from injury to assess for lower motor neuron involvement and possible time limitations of surgery. A patient with injury at or above the T6 level is at risk for autonomic dysreflexia, a life-threatening condition that presents with elevated blood pressure and can lead to emergent hypertensive crisis. Baclofen withdrawal due to baclofen pump failure or programming errors may also be life-threatening. Proper management of symptoms may help avoid complications such as autonomic dysreflexia, renal failure, heterotopic ossification, and fractures.

An acute spinal epidural hematoma after acupuncture combined with dyspnea, dysarthria, bradycardia and hypothermia—a case report

Spinal epidural hemorrhage (EDH) after acupuncture is a rare disease and needs to be differentiated from stroke because it presents neurological deficits such as motor weakness. A 48-year-old patient taking anticoagulants developed posterior neck pain and progressive quadriplegia immediately after acupuncture. Upon arrival to the emergency room (ER), he complained of dyspnea, dysarthria, bradycardia, and hypothermia. Diffuse spinal EDH findings on spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were confirmed, and posterior decompression was performed emergently. The patient is currently recovering. Since dyspnea, dysarthria, bradycardia, and hypothermia complained of by this patient are not common symptoms of spinal cord injury, emergency medicine doctors should be careful not to miss the spinal cord injury through detailed history-taking and additional neurologic exam.

Treatment of stage Ⅱ-Ⅲ Kümmell disease with robot-assisted bone cement-augmented pedicle screw fixation

To evaluate the early clinical efficacy of robot-assisted percutaneous short-segment bone cement-augmented pedicle screw fixation in the treatment of stageⅡ-Ⅲ Kümmell disease. The clinical data of 20 patients with stageⅡ-Ⅲ Kümmell's disease who underwent robot-assisted percutaneous bone cement-augmented pedicle screw fixation between June 2017 and January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 4 males and 16 females, aged from 60 to 81 years old with an average age of (69.1±8.3) years. There were 9 cases of stageⅡand 11 cases of stage Ⅲ, all of which were single vertebral lesions, including 3 cases of T11, 5 cases of T12, 8 cases of L1, 3 cases of L2, and 1 case of L3. These patients did not exhibit symptoms of spinal cord injury. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and complications were recorded. The position of pedicle screws and the filling and leakage of bone cement in gaps were observed using postoperative CT 2D reconstruction. The data of the visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), kyphosis Cobb angle, wedge angle of the diseased vertebra, and anterior and posterior vertebral height on lateral radiographs were statistically analyzed preoperatively, 1 week postoperatively, and at the final follow-up. Twenty patients were followed up for 10 to 26 months, with an average follow-up of (16.0±5.1) months. All operations were successfully completed. The surgical duration ranged from 98 to 160 minutes, with an average of (122±24) minutes. The intraoperative blood loss ranged from 25 to 95 ml, with an average of (45±20) ml. There were no intraoperative vascular nerve injuries. A total of 120 screws were inserted in this group, including 111 screws at grade A and 9 screws at grade B according to the Gertzbein and Robbins scales. Postoperative CT indicated that the bone cement was well-filled in the diseased vertebra, and cement leakage occurred in 4 cases. Preoperative VAS and ODI were (6.05±0.18) points and (71.10±5.37)%, respectively, (2.05±0.14) points and (18.57±2.77)% at 1 week after operation, and (1.35±0.11) points and (15.71±2.12) % at final follow-up. There were significant differences between postoperative 1 week and preoperative, and between final follow-up and postoperative 1 week(P<0.01). Anterior and posterior vertebral height, kyphosis Cobb angle, and wedge angle of the diseased vertebra were(45.07±1.06)%, (82.02±2.11)%, (19.49±0.77) °, and (17.56±0.94) ° preoperatively, respectively, (77.00±0.99)%, (83.04±2.02)%, (7.34±0.56) °, and (6.15±0.52) ° at 1 week postoperatively, and (75.13±0.86)%, (82.39±0.45)%, (8.38±0.63) °, and (7.09±0.59) ° at the final follow-up. Robot-assisted percutaneous short-segment bone cement-augmented pedicle screw fixation demonstrates satisfactory short-term efficacy in treating stageⅡ-Ⅲ Kümmell's disease as an effective minimally invasive alternative. However, longer operation times and strict patient selection criteria are necessary, and long-term follow-up is required to determine its lasting effectiveness.

Spinal cord injury and neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction: what do we know and where are we going?

One of the well reported but difficult to manage symptoms of spinal cord injury (SCI) is neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). The type of NLUTD is variable based on location and extent of injury. SCI affects more males and NLUTD is especially debilitating for men with incomplete injury. This review summarizes the anatomical basis of NLUTD in SCI and discusses current diagnostic and management strategies that are being utilized clinically. The last two sections address new innovations and emerging discoveries with the goal of increasing scientific interest in improving treatment options for people with SCI. Areas warranting further investigation are pinpointed to address current gaps in knowledge and/or appropriate technology.

Intramuscular tetanus neurotoxin reverses muscle atrophy: a randomized controlled trial in dogs with spinal cord injury.

BackgroundMotor symptoms of spinal cord injury (SCI) considerably impair quality of life and are associated with a high risk of secondary diseases. So far, no pharmacological treatment is available for these symptoms. Therefore, we conducted a randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled study in dogs with spontaneous SCI due to disc herniation to test whether a reduction of spinal inhibitory activity by intramuscular injections of tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT) alleviates motor symptoms such as muscle atrophy or gait function.MethodsTo this end, 25 dogs were treated with injections of either TeNT or placebo into their paretic hindlimb muscles. Effects of TeNT on muscle thickness were assessed by ultrasound, while effects on gait function were measured using the modified functional scoring system in dogs.ResultsFour weeks after the TeNT injections, muscle thickness of the gluteus medius muscle (before median 1.56 cm [inter‐quartile range {IQR} 1.34–1.71 cm] and after median 1.56 cm [IQR 1.37–1.85 cm], P‐value 0.0133) as well as of the rectus femoris muscle (before median 0.76 cm [IQR 0.60–0.98 cm] and after median 0.93 cm [IQR 0.65–1.05 cm], P‐value 0.0033) significantly increased in the TeNT group. However, there was no difference in gait function between the TeNT and placebo groups. The treatment was well tolerated by all dogs without any signs of generalized tetanus symptoms or any spreading of effects beyond the lumbar level of the injected hindlimbs.ConclusionsWith regard to the beneficial effects on muscle thickness, intramuscular injections of TeNT represent the first pharmacological approach that focally reverses muscle atrophy in SCI. Moreover, the study data support the safety of this treatment when TeNT is used at low dose.

Posterior percutaneous endoscopy via vertical anchor technique combined with trench technique for single-segmental central cervical disc herniation

To investigate the clinical feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of posterior percutaneous endoscopy via vertical anchor technique combined with trench technique for single-segmental central cervical disc herniation. Between July 2017 and August 2019, 13 patients with the single-segmental central cervical disc herniation suffering from various neurologic deficits were treated with posterior percutaneous endoscopy via vertical anchor technique combined with trench technique. There were 6 males and 7 females with an average age of 50.5 years (range, 43-64 years). Disease duration ranged from 3 to 17 months (mean, 9.2 months). The clinical symptoms of 5 cases were mainly neck pain, radiculopathy, and numbness in upper limbs, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 6.60±0.55. The clinical symptoms of 8 cases were myelopathy including upper extremities numbness, weakness, and trouble walking, and the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score was 12.75±0.71. The surgery-related complications, operation time, and intraoperative blood loss were recorded, and the results of clinical symptoms were measured by VAS scores and mJOA scores. All procedures were completed successfully, no severe complications such as dural tears or cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred. The operation time ranged from 83 to 164 minutes (mean, 101.2 minutes). The intraoperative blood loss was 25-50 mL (mean, 33.1 mL). After operation, 12 of 13 cases were followed up 10-24 months (mean, 17.6 months). The VAS scores of patients with preoperative pain symptoms were 2.40±0.55 on the first day after operation and 1.80±0.45 at last follow-up, which were significantly lower than those before operation ( P<0.05). The mJOA scores of patients with the symptoms of spinal cord injury were 12.63±0.52 on the first day after operation and 14.29±0.95 at last follow-up, and the score at last follow-up was significantly higher than that before operation ( P<0.05). Acute extremities weakness occurred for the postoperative hematoma formation in 1 case (disc herniation at C 4, 5) presented with myelopathy preoperatively, and muscle strength was recovered after the clearance of hematoma and spinal cord decompression under percutaneous endoscopy. Posterior percutaneous endoscopy via vertical anchor technique and trench technique for single-segmental central cervical disc herniation was clinical feasible, safe, and effective, and could be an alternative approach to the treatment of central cervical disc herniation.

Neuromodulation in the treatment of symptoms of spinal cord injury

Introduction and purpose: Spinal cord injury may be associated with loss of motor and sensory functions, autonomic system functions and chronic pain. The development of technology has enabled the emergence of invasive and non-invasive methods of electrical and magnetic stimulation of the nervous system, which show a growing potential in the treatment of these symptoms in human and animal studies.The purpose of the study is a presentation of the most current studies about the selected methods of neuromodulation of the nervous system in the treatment of symptoms of spinal cord injury. Description of the state of knowledge: Neuromodulatory methods improve the functioning of patients affected by spinal cord injury. Studies on epidural stimulation of the spinal cord, transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation transcutaneous spinal cord, and use of neuromodulation methods in combination with brain-machine interfaces stimulation show a reduction of chronic pain resistant to pharmacotherapy, improvement of motor limb function, respiratory function and bladder function. However, there are few large randomized studies with higher evidence strength.Conclusions: Neuromodulation is effective in the treatment of symptoms of spinal cord injury. Promising results should lead to further research to increase the strength of evidence for the effectiveness of these therapies, improve technology and a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind their effectiveness.

The strategy selection of surgical approach and decompression and fusion for cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is a common and frequently-occurring disease in Orthopaedics, especially with multi-segmental cervical spondylotic myelopathy. There are several pathogenic factors for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. The clinical symptoms are serious, and the imaging manifestations are complex. Most of them are accompanied by serious neurological damage, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. Furthermore, some patients have serious cervical spinal cord injury symptoms, which endanger their lives after mild trauma. Therefore, early diagnosis, early treatment and surgery are the most effective methods at present, which could effectively eliminate the factors of spinal cord compression and reconstruct the stability of cervical spine function. However, the choice of surgical approach and decompression fusion has always been the focus of debate. The primary purpose of surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy is to completely relieve the compression of spinal cord. According to the imaging characteristics of cervical spondylotic myelopathy, it is the key to the success of the operation to determine the decompression and reconstruction of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Anterior approach can be adopted in patients with the compression factors located in front of the spinal cord, including disc protrusion, mild osteophyte or local ossification posterior longitudinal ligament, less lesion segments, small compression range, cervical kyphosis or local kyphosis deformity, easy resection of compression and sagittal imbalance correction. Decompression fusion can be selected through intervertebral space, subtotal vertebral body resection and mixed decompression for fusion and fixation. In order to retain the active function of cervical vertebrae, artificial disc replacement and fusion can be selected. For patients with the compression factors located in the posterior part of the spinal cord, including ligamentumflavum hypertrophy or ossification, congenital developmental spinal canal stenosis, there are many factors causing compression in front of the spinal cord. The range is larger, the lesion segment is longer. Thus, it is difficult to resect thoroughly in front of the spinal cord with higher risk of anterior surgery. Although the posterior approach is indirect decompression with the help of posterior spinal cord movement, it plays a good role in improving nerve function with fewer complications and relatively higher safety. There are absolute surgical indications and relative indications for two approaches. Combining anterior and posterior surgery has advantages of complete decompression and strong fixation. However, it has the advantages of great trauma and high risk, so it is necessary to apply it in clinical practice. Moreover, no matter how to choose the approach, we should use perfect imaging data combined with clinical symptoms and signs to clarify the pathological factors of spinal cord com pression, the severity of spinal cord injury, the scope of compression and the responsible segment, and formulate an individualized operation plan.

Desarrollo y optimización de un modelo animal para el estudio de las células ganglionares en enfermedad degenerativa de la retina y nervio óptico

IntroductionMultiple sclerosis is an autoimmune, chronic and inflammatory disease of the central nervous system with axonal demyelination, gliosis and neurodegeneration. It is considered a frequent cause of neurological disability in young adults. In this work, an Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) model was optimised by injecting a myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG35-55). The ophthalmological effects were studied, as well as its use as an experimental model in other studies of retinal ganglion cell degeneration (RGC) and optic nerve (ON). Material and methodsThe study included 16 mice of 10 weeks that were placed into 2 study groups: a control group of 10 animals and another group of 6 animals with EAE that were injected with MOG35-55. The animals of the EAE model were monitored using motor disability scales. The retinas and optic nerves were processed for morphological examination by optical microscopy and ultrastructure studies. ResultsThe animal models presented with motor symptoms of spinal cord injury, with the first symptoms appearing between the 7th and 19th day post-injection, with a maximum disability mean of 3.5 points. In the retina, the mean RGC in the EAE group was 0.0891μm, compared with 0.1678μm of the control group (p=.0003).The ON was strongly affected with reactive gliosis, increased axonal damage and decreased density axonal (control group 0.38038 axons/μm2 versus EAE group 0.16 axons/μm2, p=.00032). ConclusionsIn this work an animal model of EAE has been characterised and detailed for the study of demyelinating alterations in the retina and the ON. Its characteristics make it an excellent tool for the study of neurodegenerative ophthalmic diseases.

Effects of decompression joint Governor Vessel electro-acupuncture on rats with acute upper cervical spinal cord injury.

Decompression is the major therapeutic strategy for acute spinal cord injury, but there is some debate about the time window for decompression following spinal cord injury. An important goal and challenge in the treatment of spinal cord injury is inhibiting or reversing secondary injury. Governor Vessel electroacupuncture can improve symptoms of spinal cord injury by inhibiting cell apoptosis and improving the microenvironment of the injured spinal cord. In this study, Governor Vessel electroacupuncture combined with decompression at different time points was used to treat acute spinal cord injury. The rat models were established by inserting a balloon catheter into the atlanto-occipital space. The upper cervical spinal cord was compressed for 12 or 48 hours prior to decompression. Electroacupuncture was conducted at the acupoints Dazhui (GV14) and Baihui (GV 20) (2 Hz, 15 minutes) once a day for 14 consecutive days. Compared with decompression alone, hind limb motor function recovery was superior after decompression for 12 and 48 hours combined with electroacupuncture. However, the recovery of motor function was not significantly different at 14 days after treatment in rats receiving decompression for 12 hours. Platelet-activating factor levels and caspase-9 protein expression were significantly reduced in rats receiving electroacupuncture compared with decompression alone. These findings indicate that compared with decompression alone, Governor Vessel electroacupuncture combined with delayed decompression (48 hours) is more effective in the treatment of upper cervical spinal cord injury. Governor Vessel electroacupuncture combined with early decompression (12 hours) can accelerate the recovery of nerve movement in rats with upper cervical spinal cord injury. Nevertheless, further studies are necessary to confirm whether it is possible to obtain additional benefit compared with early decompression alone.

A case of real spinal cord injury without radiologic abnormality in a pediatric patient with spinal cord concussion.

Real spinal cord injury without radiologic abnormality (SCIWORA) is a rare clinical entity. The patient was a 13-year-old girl whose body was overturned anteriorly after crashing her bicycle into a curb. Following the accident, in which her neck and upper back hit the ground, she could not move due to paralysis. On arrival, she had paresis of the bilateral upper extremities and experienced a painful sensation when her upper extremities were touched. Cervical roentgenography and whole-body computed tomography revealed no traumatic lesions in either the intracranium or the cervical bone. Urgent spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed no significant spinal cord lesions or spinal canal stenosis. She was put on complete bed rest with a cervical collar. On the 2nd hospital day (24 h after the accident), her motor weakness had almost completely subsided, and she felt only mild dysesthesia in both forearms. Roentgenography revealed no instability. Her motor weakness completely recovered on the third day after accident and she was diagnosed with spinal cord concussion. The present case study, in which MRI was performed, showed that an immediate improvement was obtained in a patient who experienced real SCIWORA. The importance of not only spinal cord lesions, but also perispinal soft tissue injury on MRI has been emphasized for predicting patient outcomes. Accordingly, immediate MRI is essential for evaluating patients with signs and symptoms of spinal cord injury, even when plain neck roentgenography and cervical CT are negative.

The Importance of Early Decompression Combined with Bone Grafting and Internal Fixation and Early Electric Stimulation in the Treatment of Severe Injury of Spinal Cord

Objective: To explore the anterior/posterior decompression, bone graft, internal fixation combined with postoperative early stimulation in the treatment of cervical spine trauma complicated with spinal cord injury treatment. Methods: From 2005 January to 2014 December, 40 patients with cervical spine fracture, dislocation of injury associated with spinal cord injury were treated with anterior/posterior decompression, bone graft, internal fixation operation combined early electrical stimulation after operation. Results: 40 cases were followed up from 12 months to 6 years. Bone graft healed well, no case of plate and screws loosening, rupture and other complications, symptoms of spinal cord injury improved satisfactorily. Preoperative spinal cord injury Frankel grade: A grade 24 cases, B grade 4 cases, C grade 5 cases, D grade 7 cases, postoperative recovery to B grade 2 cases, E grade 26 cases. According to the Japanese Department of orthopedics Society (JOA) criteria score, postoperative improvement rate was 89.26%. Conclusion: Anterior/posterior spinal canal decompression, bone graft, early internal fixation operation combined with postoperative early electrical stimulation in the treatment of patients with cervical spine injury associated with spinal cord injury, can prevent or alleviate the secondary spinal cord injury and other complications, provide effective fixation spinal segmental stability, promote the recovery of spinal cord function, achieve a satisfactory effect.

Scar Removal, Cell Transplantation, and Locomotor Training- Strategies to Improve Tissue Repair and Functional Recovery in Rat with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury

Great progress has been made over the past three decades with studies that have focused on the reversal of the symptoms of spinal cord injury (SCI). This progress has given hope that there is a possibility that tens of thousands of patients afflicted with this malady could gain both sensory and motor function again. According to estimates there are about 400,000 patients with chronic SCI who are confined to wheelchairs in the United States. However, significantly less attention has been lent to the study of chronic SCI. Although many approaches have been found to be beneficial leading to functional recovery from acute spinal cord injury, unfortunately, these interventions do not work on chronic SCI. Chronic SCI possesses a different pathophysiology that requires a different approach for effective treatment. One of the characteristic features of chronic SCI is the formation of a glial scar, which has been considered an obstacle for tissue repair and axonal regeneration. We believe that removal of the existing glial scar is necessary for tissue repair and axonal regeneration. In recent years our research work has been focused on glial scar removal, cell/tissue transplantation, and development of TANES (tail nerve electrical stimulation)-induced open field locomotor training to improve the locomotor outcome. These steps are synergistic and contribute to the final functional recovery. Results from our lab are encouraging and may be beneficial to further study of chronic SCI. In this article we will discuss the approaches we have administered and postulate their mechanisms.

Management of Subaxial Cervical Facet Dislocation Through Anterior Approach Monitored by Spinal Cord Evoked Potential

Retrospective case series. To discuss the clinical efficacy of anterior cervical surgery of decompression, reduction, stabilization, and fusion in treating subaxial cervical facet dislocation without spinal cord injury or with mild spinal cord injury monitored by spinal cord evoked potential. The optimal treatment of lower cervical facet dislocation has been controversial. Because of the risk of iatrogenic damage of neurological function, it is challenging for surgeons to manage the lower cervical facet dislocation without or with mild spinal cord injury. To avoid the risks, more secure strategy need to be designed. A retrospective study was performed on 17 cases of subaxial cervical facet dislocation without spinal cord injury or with mild spinal cord injury treated by anterior cervical surgery under spinal cord evoked potential monitor from January 2008 to June 2012. There were 12 males, 5 females, with a mean age of 40.1 years (from 21 to 73 yr). Dislocation sites: 1 in C3-C4, 2 in C4-C5, 6 in C5-C6, 8 in C6-C7; 10 cases with unilateral cervical facet dislocation, 7 cases with bilateral dislocation. Thirteen patients were preoperatively classified as grade D and 4 as E according to Frankel standard. All patients were followed up for average of 16 months. All operations were completed successfully. Postoperative radiographs showed that the sequence and curvature of the cervical spine were well recovered. And, evidence of intervertebral fusion was observed at 3 months in all cases. No redislocation or symptoms of spinal cord injury occurred. Thirteen cases with mild spinal cord injury recovered at 1 month after operation. Anterior cervical surgery of decompression, reduction, stabilization, and fusion monitored by spinal cord evoked potential is an effective and safe method for treatment of subaxial cervical facet dislocation without or with mild spinal cord injury. 4.

Administration of Olfactory Ensheathing Cells to Relieve the Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a challenging issue for scientists and clinicians. Thus far, no treatments capable of relieving symptoms associated with neuronal loss and functional defects have been developed. However, stem cell therapy has demonstrated considerable promise in overcoming neuronal cell death and glial scarring in the area of damage associated with SCI. A number of studies have demonstrated the therapeutic advantages and clinical applicability of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) in neurodegenerative disorders. This review focuses on the potential benefits of OECs in an SCI animal model and examines partial successes that have been achieved in human clinical trials. We also discuss methods that could further enhance the therapeutic efficacy of these efforts, such as modifying the extracellular matrix to ensure appropriate differentiation and prolong the survival of transplanted cells; and further in situ altering of the spinal cord niche to facilitate the completely therapy of OECs in SCI.

Radiating Upper Limb Pain in the Contact Sport Athlete

Participation in contact sports exposes the athlete to a risk of cervical spine injury. Temporary neurological injuries manifesting as radiating arm pain or paresthesias, such as transient quadriparesis and stingers, present unique challenges for the sports medicine physician and will be reviewed in detail. The initial management of these conditions must recognize signs and symptoms of spinal cord injury and prevent further neurological sequelae. Evaluation will often include advanced imaging of the cervical spine in addition to serial neurological examinations. This review concludes with rational return-to-play guidelines for contact sport athletes.

Delayed postoperative paraplegia complicating repair of type A dissection

We describe the very rare event of delayed transient paraplegia after repair of type A dissection of the aorta and discuss therapeutic options. We also suggest insertion of a spinal catheter as soon as there are signs or symptoms of spinal cord injury to drain spinal fluid and maximize the effect of elevated spinal cord perfusion pressure.

Masking of Vertebral Artery Dissection by Severe Trauma to the Cervical Spine

A prospective case study was performed. To illustrate the association of cervical trauma with vertebral artery dissection, and to propose a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm for suspected traumatic vertebral artery dissection. Vertebral artery dissection is a recognized but underdiagnosed complication of trauma to the cervical spine. Symptoms of spinal cord injury, however, may obscure those of vertebral artery dissection, presumably causing gross underdiagnosis of this complication. All patients with vertebral artery dissection admitted to the authors' facility between 1992 and 1997 were screened for cervical trauma. This article presents four patients with severe trauma to the cervical spine, defined as luxation, subluxation, or fracture, in whom symptoms of vertebral artery dissection developed after a delay ranging from several hours to weeks. The traumatic vertebral artery dissection typically was located at the site of vertebral injury or cranial to it. One patient with fracture of the odontoid process survived symptom free without ischemic brain infarctions. Another patient survived with traumatic quadriplegia in addition to large cerebellar and posterior cerebral artery infarctions. Two patients died as a result of fulminant vertebrobasilar infarctions, both with only moderate impairment from the primary spinal cord injury. Early signs of vertebral artery dissection include head and neck pain, often localized to the site of intimal disruption, which may be disguised by the signs of the spinal injury. Early Doppler ultrasound and duplex sonography as a noninvasive screening method should be performed for patients with severe trauma to the cervical spine. In cases of vertebral artery dissection, immediate anticoagulation should be initiated. Traumatologists should be aware of this complication in evaluating patients with severe trauma of the cervical spine, and also for a variety of forensic reasons.

Acute hypertension induced by urinary bladder distension. Headache and its correlates in quadriplegic patients.

Introduction Among the symptoms of spinal cord injury are those related to autonomic hyperreflexia which usually follow distension of a hollow viscus or other stimulation below the level of the cord lesion. These symptoms of autonomic hyperreflexia are found for the most part with cervical and high dorsal lesions of the spinal cord. Of most significance are the severe throbbing headache, sweating above the level of the lesion, pilomotor erection, shivering, flushing of the skin, dilated pupils, slow pulse, and significant hypertension, which may be the earliest symptom. When hyperreflexia occurs, the headache begins with a feeling of dullness in the head which then may become throbbing and severe. It may be bitemporal, occipital, or frontal. Blurring of vision may occur. Acute hypertension induced by urinary bladder distention in quadriplegic patients has been well documented by us as well as by others.2-10Our experiment was devised in an attempt