Subacute post-traumatic ascending myelopathy (Spam) in a spinal cord injured patient-a rare presentation: A case report

• Main Authors: Kassim, Nur Karyatee, Hanafi, Mohd H., Ibrahim, Ahmad H., Hasnan, Nazirah
• Format: Article
• Published: Malaysian Orthopaedic Association 2021
• Subjects: R Medicine; RA Public aspects of medicine
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/35902/; https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85104807158&doi=10.5704%2fMOJ.2103.022&partnerID=40&md5=29adf2288bb635f07ee58ec6fce886e3

The optimisation of blood pressure management is critical in managing hypotensive episodes in patients with spinal cord injury. Improper handling of this preventable factor will negatively impact the patient recovery prognosis. A 42-year-old man was admitted for a complete spinal cord injury after fell from height. He developed subacute neurological deterioration unrelated to the mechanical instability but due to multiple episodes of hypotension occurring one month after the initial injury. After proper management of blood pressure, his deterioration was halted and no further progression. Spinal cord haemodynamics play an important role in mediating the onset of subacute post-traumatic ascending myelopathy. Better education and awareness on Subacute Post-traumatic Ascending Myelopathy (SPAM) especially to the junior healthcare providers are important to hinder this rare but avoidable condition. © 2021, Malaysian Orthopaedic Association. All rights reserved.