CERVICAL SPINAL STENOSIS WITH CORD NEURAPRAXIA AND TRANSIENT QUADRIPLEGIA

Cervical cord neurapraxia is a transient, totally reversible phenomeno n that results from compressive deformation of the spinal cord. It occ urs as a result of developmental narrowing of the cervical canal, eith er as an isolated entity or in combination with degenerative changes, instability or congenital abnormalities. Uncomplicated stenosis of the cervical canal in an individual with a stable spine does not predispo se to permanent neurological injury. Our data do not indicate a correl ation between developmental narrowing and permanent neurological seque lae in a spine rendered unstable by football-induced trauma. However, there are data indicating that the occurrence of an episode of cervica l cord neurapraxia is not a harbinger, or an indication of susceptibil ity to permanent neurological sequelae, Nevertheless, we recommend tha t continued participation in collision activities be restricted in ind ividuals who have had a documented episode of cervical cord neurapraxi a associated with (i) ligamentous instability; (ii) intervertebral dis c disease with cord compression; (iii) significant degenerative change s; (iv) magnetic resonance imaging evidence of cord defect or swelling ; (v) symptoms of positive neurological findings lasting more than 36 hours; and (vi) more than one recurrence.