Chonnam Med J.  2000 Jun;36(2):219-222.

Early-Onset Myelopathy after High-voltage Electrical Burn: Case Report

• Choi IS
• Lee SY
• Lee SG
• Rowe SM

Abstract

High-voltage electrical burn has very deleterious effects such as cardiovascular, neurological and musculoskeletal problems. The neurological problems following electrical burn are categorized into peripheral neuropathy and central nervous system lesion. The clinical manifestations of spinal cord involvement in central nervous system lesion are categorized into early-onset and delayed-onset myelopathy. Especially, myelopathy is a rare early-onset complication of electrical burn. We experienced a case with early-onset myelopathy showing mixed motor and sensory symptoms in 5 hours following electrical burn. The follow-up neurological examinations revealed T9 paraplegia (ASIA C). Thoracic MRI findings were normal however, electrodiagnostic studies were compatible with lower thoracic myelopathy. After a comprehensive rehabilitative management, the patient was able to walk with a monocane. We report a case of early-onset myelopathy following electrical burn.

Keyword

Electrical burn; Myelopathy

MeSH Terms

Burns*
Central Nervous System
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Neurologic Examination
Paraplegia
Peripheral Nervous System Diseases
Spinal Cord
Spinal Cord Diseases*