Aggravation of Pre-existing Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy with Limb Paralysis Following Lumbar Puncture: A Case Report

Abstract

This case report highlights a rare occurrence of paraplegia following lumbar puncture (LP) in the presence of cervical disc herniation during cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage. The patient was an elderly woman undergoing investigation for suspected neoplastic meningitis who experienced sudden acute paraplegia on the day following the LP procedure. LP is often contraindicated in patients with intracranial lesions. If patients exhibit myelopathy symptoms, such as increased lower extremity reflexes and positive Hoffmann and Trömner's signs without intracranial lesions, a thorough evaluation for occupying lesions, including cervical spondylotic myelopathy, is recommended before LP is carried out.