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Chiari 1 malformation and holocord syringomyelia presenting as abrupt onset foot drop

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Abstract

We present two patients with a Chiari 1 malformation and holocord syringomyelia who presented with abrupt onset unilateral foot drop. Neurophysiologic testing was consistent with a proximal nerve root lesion. This assisted with localization and directed magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to lumbosacral spine and nerve roots. Each child underwent a suboccipital craniectomy and laminectomy with duroplasty to decompress the foramen magnum. Each child also showed rapid and complete clinical recovery despite the significant electromyographic and MRI abnormalities on initial study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1H 8L1

    Hugh J. McMillan & Erick Sell

  2. Division of Neurosurgery, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1H 8L1

    Munyao Nzau & Enrique C. G. Ventureyra

Authors
  1. Hugh J. McMillan
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  2. Erick Sell
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  3. Munyao Nzau
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  4. Enrique C. G. Ventureyra
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Correspondence to Hugh J. McMillan.

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McMillan, H.J., Sell, E., Nzau, M. et al. Chiari 1 malformation and holocord syringomyelia presenting as abrupt onset foot drop. Childs Nerv Syst 27, 183–186 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-010-1275-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-010-1275-y

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