DOI: 10.55994/ejcc.1842214 ISSN: 2667-8721

Non-Traumatic Spinal Shock Presenting with Acute Paraparesis: A Case Report

Çağdaş Derdiyok, Eren Duyar
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Background: Spinal shock is typically associated with high-energy trauma, while non-traumatic causes are exceptionally rare.Case Presentation: We report the case of an 85-year-old male presenting with sudden-onset paraparesis and hemodynamic collapse caused by acute spinal cord compression secondary to a T3 vertebral hemangioma and osteoporotic collapse. The patient developed neurogenic shock with bradycardia, hypotension, and respiratory failure in the emergency department. Immediate resuscitation with atropine, intravenous fluids, and dopamine infusion achieved stabilization. Thoracic computed tomography revealed a hypodense T3 vertebral lesion consistent with hemangioma and collapse, causing acute spinal canal narrowing. High-dose corticosteroid therapy was administered, followed by urgent neurosurgical intervention.Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of recognizing non-traumatic spinal shock in elderly patients with acute paraparesis and hypotension, even without a history of trauma. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management are essential to prevent irreversible neurological deficits.

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