title: Rapid Recovery from Paraplegia in a Patient with Foix-Alajouanine Syndrome.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Foix-Alajouanine syndrome is defined as acute neurologic deterioration in the setting of a spinal dural arteriovenous fistula.
  
  
  METHODS
  This case report on a young patient with an unusual clinical onset of Foix-Alajouanine syndrome coincidentally occurring after his outpatient clinic appointment illustrates how prompt surgical treatment can result in rapid recovery of neurologic function despite preoperative paraplegia.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Venous hypertension with subsequent rapid resolution after surgical treatment is the pathophysiological mechanism underlying a dural arteriovenous fistula, in contrast to historical views suggesting that these lesions result from irreversible venous thrombosis, resulting in necrotic myelopathy.
authors: Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, London Health Sciences Centre, University Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: holger.joswig@gmail.com.
authors: Holger
authors: H
authors: Joswig
authors: Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, London Health Sciences Centre, University Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors: Faizal A
authors: FA
authors: Haji
authors: Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, London Health Sciences Centre, University Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors: Rafael
authors: R
authors: Martinez-Perez
authors: Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, London Health Sciences Centre, University Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors: David A
authors: DA
authors: Steven
authors: Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, London Health Sciences Centre, University Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors: Melfort R
authors: MR
authors: Boulton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D020785:Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D013577:Syndrome
keywords: Foix–Alajouanine syndrome; Paraplegia; Spinal cord; Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula