Acute cervical myelopathy with quadriparesis after cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injection

Medicine, 2019 · DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000018299 · Published: December 6, 2019

Simple Explanation

Cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESI) are used to treat neck pain, but complications can occur. This case reports a woman who experienced acute cervical myelopathy (spinal cord injury) with quadriparesis (weakness in all four limbs) after TFESI. The patient received steroid treatment and rehabilitation, which led to improvement, though some mild pain and weakness remained.

Study Duration

6 months follow-up

Participants

A 50-year-old woman

Evidence Level

Level 4: Case Report

Key Findings

1
Cervical TFESI can lead to spinal cord injury despite careful fluoroscopic guidance.
2
The patient did not experience pain when the spinal cord was punctured during the procedure.
3
Conservative treatments like medication and rehabilitation can help manage spinal cord injury resulting from TFESI.

Research Summary

This case report describes a 50-year-old woman who developed acute cervical myelopathy with quadriparesis following a cervical TFESI. MRI revealed spinal cord damage, and the patient was treated with steroids and rehabilitation. Her condition improved, but some residual symptoms persisted at the 6-month follow-up. The report highlights the risk of spinal cord injury with TFESI, even with fluoroscopic guidance, and emphasizes the importance of careful technique and monitoring.

Practical Implications

Risk Awareness

Clinicians should be aware of the potential for spinal cord injury during cervical TFESI, even with careful technique.

Careful Monitoring

Close monitoring of patients during and after TFESI is crucial to detect and manage potential complications.

Informed Consent

Patients undergoing TFESI should be informed about the risks of spinal cord injury and other potential complications.

Acute cervical myelopathy with quadriparesis after cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injection

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Risk Awareness

Careful Monitoring

Informed Consent

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Acute cervical myelopathy with quadriparesis after cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injection

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Risk Awareness

Careful Monitoring

Informed Consent

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?