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Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Translated Title

新手衝浪者的脊髓病變：病例報告

Abstract

Introduction: Surfer's myelopathy is a nontraumatic, ischemic spinal cord injury that predominantly affects the lower thoracic cord. Owing to its clinical rarity, its pathophysiology and treatment protocol remain controversial. Frequently discussed hypotheses regarding its cause include ischemic change due to trunk hyperextension and the Valsalva maneuver, leading to back pain, weakness in the lower extremities, and bowel and bladder dysfunction. The prognosis varies widely, ranging from full recovery to paraplegia. casereport: We report the case of a 22-year-old female patient experiencing progressive loss of strength in the lower extremities and soreness in her lower back while surfing for the first time. The condition had progressed to paraplegia upon her medical visit. The patient's American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale score was B and neurological level of injury was T11. Image finding combined with her clinical presentation, was compatible with the diagnosis of surfer's myelopathy. After 6 weeks of pharmacological support and a rehabilitation program, the patient exhibited significant increase in bilateral muscle power with functional improvement, including independent ambulation and almost full recovery of activities of daily living. The ASIA impairment scale grade eventually improved to grade D, and the neurological level of injury improved to L1. Discussion: The rarity of surfer's myelopathy and increase in non-surfing-related cases during the past decade mean that clinical presentation, taking a thorough history, and typical image findings are vital for differential diagnosis. For most patients, improvements are possible in their treatment. For clinicians, awareness of clinical presentation and early identification are essential. Early management and a comprehensive rehabilitation program could also help to restore daily function.

Language

Traditional Chinese

First Page

167

Last Page

175

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