Bilateral Sciatic Neuropathy Due to Drug Overdose with Coma

Authors

Susan Y Fan
Chang-Zern Hong
Lin-Fen Hsieh
Yii-Jiun Shao
Hsu-Yi Chen

Translated Title

藥物過量昏迷後之雙側坐骨神經病變

Abstract

Limb compression in an unattended comatous patient often results in peripheral nerve injuries; however, bilateral sciatic neuropathy in these patients has rarely been described in literature. A 37-year-old woman with bilateral numbness and paralysis of the lower limb after drug overdose with coma was reported. After onset of unconsciousness, she was in a seated position with trunk and hips flexed and knees nearly fully extended for approximately ten hours. In the department of emergency, she was found to have bilateral thighs and buttocks swollen as well as myoglobulinuria. Electrodiagnostic studies supported a diagnosis of complete denervation bilaterally in the distribution of the sciatic nerve. After 19 months of intense rehabilitation, some evidence of reinnervation was noticed in follow-up electrodiagnostic testing. There were significant improvements in motor function with some remaining neurological deficits. According to our findings, severe and disabling sequelae may result from such peripheral nerve injuries, however, rehabilitation for these patients is helpful.

Language

English

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.6315/2006.34(1)05

First Page

33

Last Page

39

Recommended Citation

Fan, Susan Y; Hong, Chang-Zern; Hsieh, Lin-Fen; Shao, Yii-Jiun; and Chen, Hsu-Yi (2006) "Bilateral Sciatic Neuropathy Due to Drug Overdose with Coma," Rehabilitation Practice and Science: Vol. 34: Iss. 1, Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6315/2006.34(1)05
Available at: https://rps.researchcommons.org/journal/vol34/iss1/5