Spinal cord
-
Return of diaphragm function in an individual with ventilator-dependent high cervical tetraplegia is presented. The patient was maintained on a ventilator for five years after sustaining a C3-C4 vertebral fracture with a complete high cervical tetraplegia. ⋯ Subsequently, successful ventilatory weaning and diaphragmatic muscle strengthening was achieved. This case report emphasises the importance of serial evaluation of phrenic nerve viability, diaphragmatic function and ventilator dependency in patients with a high cervical tetraplegia in light of potential neurological recovery.