Ann Rehabil Med.  2011 Aug;35(4):574-578. 10.5535/arm.2011.35.4.574.

A Case of Central Cord Syndrome Related Status Epilepticus: A Case Report

• Lee S
• Lee JE
• Yang S
• Chang H

• KMID: 1971726
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5535/arm.2011.35.4.574

Abstract

Central cord syndrome (CCS) is extremely rare as a direct consequence of generalized epileptic seizure. CCS is associated with hyperextension of the spinal cord and has characteristic radiologic findings including posterior ligamentous injury and prevertebral hyperintensity following magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We experienced the case of a 25-year-old man who suffered CCS after status epilepticus. Cervical spinal MRI revealed high signal intensity at the C1 level but with no signal or structural changes in other sites. After rehabilitation management, the patient significantly improved on the ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) motor scale and bladder function. We proposed that epilepsy related CCS may be caused by muscle contractions during generalized seizure, which can induce traction injury of the spinal cord or relative narrowing of spinal canal via transient herniated nucleus pulposus or transient subluxation of vertebra. We also suggest CCS without radiologic findings of trauma has good prognosis compared with other CCS.

Keyword

Central cord syndrome; Status epilepticus

MeSH Terms

Adult
Asia
Central Cord Syndrome
Epilepsy
Humans
Ligaments
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Muscle Contraction
Prognosis
Seizures
Spinal Canal
Spinal Cord
Spinal Injuries
Spine
Status Epilepticus
Traction
Urinary Bladder

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Axial T2-Weighted image show high signal intensity on previous operation site (A) Frontal lesionectomy, (B) Corpus callosotomy.

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  Fig. 2 Plain radiography of cervical spine. (A) Anterior-posterior, (B) Lateral, (C) Flexion, (D) Extension view.

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  Fig. 3 T2 weighted saggital and axial MR imaging of cervical spine showed high signal intensity lesion (arrow) in the C1 spinal cord.

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