Life-threatening neurological syndrome in Down's syndrome

This case report describes a 19-year-old girl with Down's syndrome who developed a life-threatening neurological syndrome. The syndrome, atlantoaxial dislocation with spinal cord compression, was likely triggered by physical therapy. Early recognition of symptoms and careful management of patients with Down's syndrome are crucial to prevent such complications.

• 1
  Atlantoaxial instability (AAI) is common in Down's syndrome but often clinically silent.
• 2
  Symptoms of cervical cord compression can be present for weeks or years before diagnosis.
• 3
  Physical therapy procedures can trigger or worsen AAI and spinal cord compression.