Predictive factors of neurological recovery after chronic craniovertebral brainstem compression

Neurologic manifestations of craniovertebral junction (CVJ) disease may generate dramatic brainstem damage, which could evolve to paralysis. In most cases, patients are referred with advanced neurological symptoms such as tetraplegia/paresis. The aim of this study was to identify predictive factors of favorable neurological evolution after non-traumatic brainstem compression.

A prospective study evaluated 143 consecutive patients who had undergone CVJ anterior brainstem decompression. The mean age was 45.1 ± 19.1 years. The study analyzed clinical, surgical, and imagery characters to determine predictive factors of neurological improvement.

The mean follow-up of our series was 10.2 years (range 0.5–23.9). Seventy-one (49.6%) presented initial tetrapalsies resulting from spinal cord compression. Multivariable analysis revealed that Frankel score [odds ratio (OR) 5.7, CI 95% 1.01–31.8; p < 0.04] and preoperative symptoms < 6 months [OR 0.33, CI 95% 0.125–0.9; p < 0.025] were independently associated with partial neurological improvement, while the only independent factor associated with total neurologic recovery was the preoperative symptom evolution <6 months [odd ratio (OR) 4.3, CI 95% 1.6–11.4; p < 0.003]. None of the following were identified as predictive factors: demographic characteristics, medical history, the etiology of compression, or initial spinal cord MRI.

The earlier the decompression is performed, the better the neurological improvement. Whatever the initial Frankel score, if neurological palsy or disorders evolved for less than 6 months, complete recovery is possible.