Motor recovery in the absence of segmental afferents: A case study of incomplete spinal cord injury

Abstract

A 41-year-old male with a prior left L-5/S-l radiculopathy developed complete quadriplegia following a gunshot wound to the left anterior neck. He subsequently recovered pinprick sensation over the left side of the trunk and lower extremity; and a right peroneal SEP, suggested sparing of long tracts on the right side. Voluntary motor strength gradually recovered more on the left than right for the L-5/S-l segments, where tendon reflexes were absent. This unique case is discussed with respect to the effect of absent segmental afferents on suprasegmental recovery. © 1989 International Medical Society of Paraplegia.