Atraumatic Cervical Disc Herniation With Rapidly Progressive Myelopathy in a 47-Year-Old Male: A Case Report
2024

Case of Rapidly Progressive Myelopathy Due to Cervical Disc Herniation

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Parker Brian A, Cunningham Cody A, Bathini Abhijith R, Patel Naresh P, Martini Wayne A

Primary Institution: Mayo Clinic Arizona

Conclusion

The case demonstrates the critical need for early diagnosis and surgical intervention in cases of cervical spinal stenosis due to disc herniation to prevent permanent neurological deficits.

Supporting Evidence

  • The patient experienced rapid progression of symptoms leading to significant neurological impairment.
  • Prompt surgical intervention resulted in substantial recovery, although some sensory deficits persisted.
  • Only 12 reported cases of atraumatic cervical myelopathy exist in the literature.

Takeaway

A man had severe neck pain and weakness that got worse quickly because of a problem with his spine. Doctors did surgery to fix it, and he got better, but he still has some numbness.

Methodology

The patient underwent imaging studies including CT and MRI, followed by anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for surgical intervention.

Limitations

The case is based on a single patient, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

47-year-old Caucasian male with a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and type 2 diabetes.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.7759/cureus.74152

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