title: Surfer's myelopathy: a rare presentation in a non-surfing setting and review of the literature.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Surfers myelopathy can be a rapidly devastating disease and little is known surrounding the pathophysiology of the condition. Although the classical pattern of illness has been well reported, it has never been observed in a non-surfing setting.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 51-year-old demolition worker presented with acute non-traumatic myelopathy. Clinical examination revealed sensory loss to the level of L2. T2-MRI and MRI-DWI revealed a hyperintense signal suggestive of an ischaemic event. A diagnosis of surfer's myelopathy was made and he was commenced on steroid therapy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Following steroid therapy and fluid management the patient was discharged after 6 days with minor anaethesia but significant overall neurological improvement.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Diagnosis of SM requires a thorough history, clinical examination and imaging (MRI, MRI-DWI). The patient should be admitted early and investigated. The use of rehabilitation services may be useful if available.
authors.affiliation: NeuroSpine Surgery Research Group (NSURG), Sydney, Australia; ; Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: Monish M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Maharaj
authors.affiliation: NeuroSpine Surgery Research Group (NSURG), Sydney, Australia; ; Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Phan
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: Soumya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hariswamy
authors.affiliation: NeuroSpine Surgery Research Group (NSURG), Sydney, Australia; ; Department of Neurosurgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: Prashanth J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Rao
keywords: Surfer’s myelopathy; spinal cord injury; spinal cord ischemia