Citation

Haghighi SS, Meyer S. Spinal Cord 2001; 39(12): 664-667.

Affiliation

Clinical Neurodiagnostic Department, Sharp Memorial Hospital, San Diego, California 92123, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, International Spinal Cord Society, Publisher Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1038/sj.sc.3101205

PMID

11781866

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: A case report of psychogenic paraplegia following a motor vehicle accident was clinically diagnosed using median (MN) and posterior tibial nerves (PTN) somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs). OBJECTIVE: To report an unusual case of paraplegia in spite of normal electrophysiological and non-compromising radiographic spine findings. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Conversion disorder with motor system symptoms or deficit is a subtype which includes symptoms such as impaired motor coordination or balance, paraplegia, muscle weakness, difficulty in swallowing, and urinary retention. METHODS: The SSEPs were performed by each PTN at the ankle region behind the medial malleolus or the MN at the wrist using square wave pulses in 15 mA intensity. The SSEPs revealed well-developed somatosensory peaks for all extremities. RESULTS: Well-resolved MN-SSEPs were seen with stimulation of either arm. The principal peaks of N20 and P22 were 17 and 21 ms for both upper extremities. The principal peaks of P37 and N45 were 35 and 46 ms for both lower extremities. No side-to-side latency difference was noted. The MRI scan finding was a non-displaced L1 fracture without spinal canal compromise. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of an apparent paraplegia, contradictory clinical findings, normal neurophysiologic tests, and normal neuroradiologic findings are positive criteria for paraplegia/quadriplegia with psychogenic etiology.

Language: en