Abstract
Introduction
Although the prognosis of spinal cord injury without radiographic evidence of abnormality (SCIWORA) depends on the severity of the initial neurological damage, most patients with American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale grade D are expected to recover fully.
Case presentation
An 85-year-old patient with SCIWORA and urinary incontinence, who did not produce the expected response to rehabilitation, displayed the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous system findings together. Conventional radiography, computed tomography, and even magnetic resonance imaging were unable to explain this complicated neurological condition thoroughly. More in-depth research into the patient’s history revealed some sequelae left by urinary surgery and chemotherapy.
Discussion
Comorbidities in geriatric SCIWORA have severe effects on both etiology and prognosis. Furthermore, incontinence in SCIWORA is an essential condition that has not been addressed until now and may play a role in prognosis.
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Acer, S., Umay, E.K., Nazlı, F. et al. A geriatric patient with spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality: outcomes and causes. Spinal Cord Ser Cases 4, 17 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-018-0050-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-018-0050-2
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