Traumatic Tetraplegia without Radiologic Abnormalities in an Elderly Woman: A Case Report

Abstract

Spinal cord injury without radiologic abnormality (SCIWORA), which is not accompanied by radiographic abnormalities, implies literally a specific type of spinal cord injury. In most cases, spinal cord injuries can be detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this report, we present an atypical case of tetraplegic spinal cord injury in an elderly woman with SCIWORA. A 73-year-old female tetraplegic patient underwent MRI, and no specific lesions were found in any segments of the spinal cord. Furthermore, the patient had paralysis and pathological reflexes at four extremities. Below the C7 dermatome level hypoesthesia was determined. A 6-week physical therapy and rehabilitation program was performed. After the program, it was observed that spasticity decreased, sitting balance increased and the patient could use wheel-chair.