Diaphragmatic paralysis caused by cervical spondylosis. Case report

J Neurosurg Spine. 2005 May;2(5):604-7. doi: 10.3171/spi.2005.2.5.0604.

Abstract

The authors describe a rare case of diaphragmatic paralysis caused by cervical spondylosis. A 64-year-old man presented with dyspnea as well as cervical radicular pain and left-sided upper-extremity motor weakness. Chest radiography revealed elevation of both sides of the diaphragm. All symptoms were ameliorated immediately after cervical laminoplasty, and spirometry revealed improvement of ventilatory function 6 months after surgery. Cervical spondylosis should be considered a factor that can cause respiratory dysfunction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cervical Vertebrae / pathology
  • Cervical Vertebrae / surgery
  • Dyspnea / etiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Respiratory Paralysis / etiology*
  • Spinal Osteophytosis / complications*
  • Spinal Osteophytosis / surgery