Abducens palsy after lumbar puncture. |
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Authors: | U Niedermüller E Trinka G Bauer |
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Institution: | Universit?tsklinik für Neurologie, Anichstr 35, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria. ulrike.meisel@uibk.ac.at |
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Abstract: | OBJECTIVE: We report the case of a 43-year-old patient with neuralgic shoulder amyotrophy who developed abducens palsy on the left 4 days after diagnostic lumbar puncture (LP), which recovered completely within 4 months. RESULTS: Side effects after spinal tap are due to prolonged spinal fluid leakage and delayed closure of a dural defect causing intracranial hypotension. Downward 'sagging' of the brain and traction on cranial nerves may lead to abducens palsy. This case and a review of the literature illustrate the higher risk with the use of large-size traumatic needles in LP for cranial sixth nerve palsies. CONCLUSION: The presented case emphasizes the use of atraumatic small-size needles for lumbar puncture. |
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