Spine
-
Review Case Reports
Hysterical paralysis: a report of three cases and a review of the literature.
Three cases of hysterical paralysis are reported and the literature is reviewed. ⋯ Hysterical paraplegia is a type of conversion disorder. It is a diagnosis of exclusion that typically presents as mono-, hemi-, para-, or quadriplegia. The pursuit of a diagnosis for the hysterical paraplegic patient necessarily consumes valuable resources and time. The typical patient is a female from a low socioeconomic background with limited education. The DSM-IV-TR criteria must be met to fulfill the diagnosis of conversion disorder. Electrodiagnostic and imaging studies can aid in the diagnosis. Treatment revolves around explaining the normal diagnostic results to the patients and guiding them to appropriate psychiatric and physiotherapy. Rapid recovery should be expected, but can take up to 6 months.
-
Review Case Reports
Paraplegia as a complication of percutaneous vertebroplasty with polymethylmethacrylate: a case report.
A case report and review of the literature are presented. ⋯ Percutaneous vertebroplasty with polymethylmethacrylate is not as simple and risk free as advocated in the literature. Careful safeguards and modifications are needed for the procedure, and new and physiologic material could be substituted for polymethylmethacrylate.