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Published in: Child's Nervous System 2/2013

01-02-2013 | Case Report

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy caused by violent motor tics in a child with Tourette syndrome

Authors: Da-Young Ko, Seung-Ki Kim, Jong-Hee Chae, Kyu-Chang Wang, Ji Hoon Phi

Published in: Child's Nervous System | Issue 2/2013

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Abstract

Introduction

We report a case of a 9-year-old boy with Tourette syndrome (TS) who developed progressive quadriparesis that was more severe in the upper extremities.

Case report

He had experienced frequent and violent motor tics consisting of hyperflexion and hyperextension for years. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a focal high-signal intensity cord lesion and adjacent cervical spondylotic changes. Initially, the patient was observed for several months because of diagnostic uncertainty; his neurological status had improved and later worsened again. Anterior cervical discectomy of C3–4 and fusion immediately followed by posterior fixation were performed. After surgery, the neck collar was applied for 6 months. His neurological signs and symptoms improved dramatically. TS with violent neck motion may cause cervical spondylotic myelopathy at an early age.

Conclusions

The optimal management is still unclear and attempts to control tics should be paramount. Circumferential fusion with neck bracing represents a viable treatment option.
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Metadata
Title
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy caused by violent motor tics in a child with Tourette syndrome
Authors
Da-Young Ko
Seung-Ki Kim
Jong-Hee Chae
Kyu-Chang Wang
Ji Hoon Phi
Publication date
01-02-2013
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Child's Nervous System / Issue 2/2013
Print ISSN: 0256-7040
Electronic ISSN: 1433-0350
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-012-1939-x

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