Diaphragmatic paralysis following minor cervical trauma.
Two asthmatic patients developed unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis from phrenic nerve injury, in one case following cervical chiropractic manipulation and in the other after a motorcycle accident. Both presented with increased dyspnea and orthopnea. Diagnosis, severity, and level of the lesion were established by neurophysiological methods, which are preferred to chest radiography and diaphragmatic ultrasonography. In spite of only partial electrophysiological recovery of the nerve, both patients were asymptomatic 1 year later.
Merino-Ramírez
Miguel A
MA
Clinical Neurophysiology Service, La Ribera Hospital, Alzira, Valencia, Spain.
Juan
Gustavo
G
Ramón
Mercedes
M
Cortijo
Julio
J
Morcillo
Esteban J
EJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001249:Asthma / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020393:Manipulation, Spinal / Q000009:adverse effects; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000502:physiology; D010791:Phrenic Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000528:radiation effects; D012133:Respiratory Paralysis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications*