Surfer myelopathy treatment. Initially labelled by Thompson et al.
Surfer myelopathy treatment Stacy Brown, Neurointensivist, at The Queen’s Medical Center. Context: Surfer's myelopathy (SM) is an acute syndrome identified by nontraumatic paraparesis or paraplegia. Thompson Conclusions: Surfer's myelopathy, because of its proposed mechanism of injury, is amenable to medical intervention. Interaction with marine animals may lead to injury through envenomation. Although the classical pattern of illness has been well reported, it has never been observed in a non-surfing setting. Education and awareness are essential for preventing surfer’s myelopathy and avoiding further deterioration of neurological function. Three male patients diagnosed with surfer’s myelopathy (19–30 years) were admitted to our hospital. in 2004 [1], there have been multiple case reports and case series since, with a common theme of affected individuals lying prone on surfboards with spinal hyperextension leading to onset of back pain and Surfer’s myelopathy is a newly described condition, typically in novice surfers that can lead to paraparesis or paraplegia. Mar 22, 2024 · 2 Discussion Surfers’ myelopathy is a non-traumatic spinal cord injury, that commonly occurs after surfing in first-time or novice surfers [1 ]. The loss of blood flow deprives the spinal cord of oxygen. This study describes the MR imaging characteristics and clinical correlates in 23 subjects with surfer's myelopathy. The talk will also explore chronic conditions common among experienced surfers and include a bonus discussion of stingray injuries—a frequent issue in San Diego County. It typically affects young, healthy individuals with no prior spinal issues. Mar 20, 2018 · Introduction Surfer’s myelopathy (SM) is a rare cause of acute myelopathy without traumatic association, most commonly described in novice surfers. Typical history and magnetic resonance imaging features in … Introduction Surfer’s Myelopathy (SM) is a rare condition which was first described in 2004 by Thompson et al. Thompson Sep 18, 2023 · It revealed he suffered from Surfer's Myelopathy -- a rare, nontraumatic spinal cord injury which is caused by sustained hyperextension of the back when going from the prone to upright position Aug 15, 2004 · Surfer's myelopathy is a nontraumatic paraparesis/paraplegia that affects first-time surfers. The case of a 26-yr-old man who became paraplegic after surfing without apparent traumatic events is described. [1] Abstract Context: Surfer’s myelopathy (SM) is an acute syndrome identified by nontraumatic paraparesis or paraplegia. smawareness. HAT IS SURFER’S MYELOPATHY? Rare, non-traumatic hyperextension induced spinal cord injury Thought to be 2nd to prolonged prone positioning in hyperextension or rapid hyperextension shifts in posture AKA = Acute Hyperextension Induced Myelopathy (AHIM or AHM) Introduction Surfer’s myelopathy (SM) is a rare, nontraumatic spinal cord injury associated with hyperextension of the back. However, reports from patients practicing diferent activities had risen. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals for diagnosis, treatment, and medical guidance. We’re talking about a condition known as surfer’s myelopathy. Oct 9, 2024 · It’s a rare spinal injury that usually affects beginner surfers. The novice surfer is affected by a loss of blood flow to the spinal cord, known as an ischemic injury, believed to be caused by the hyperextension of the back while laying on the surfboard for extended time. This atraumatic thoracic/conus medullaris myelopathy with only a 42% neurological recovery rate almost uniformly affects young Jul 29, 2025 · The treatment for surfer's myelopathy primarily involves high-dose corticosteroids (methylprednisolone) as the first-line intervention, followed by comprehensive rehabilitation, though evidence for specific treatments remains limited due to the rarity of the condition. Context: Surfer’s myelopathy (SM) is an acute syndrome identified by nontraumatic paraparesis or paraplegia. 1 Symptoms consist of back pain, urine retention or incontinence and paraplegia with sensory loss. org. Nine Jul 31, 2019 · Surfer's myelopathy is believed to be caused when a blood vessel leading to the spine is obstructed by the hyperextension of the back. It is thought to be caused by turning to look over one’s shoulder and thus affecting the blood flow to the lower half of the body. Comprehensive Treatment Options: Dr. 3 years later, he’s back on his feet In 2019, David Togami suffered from a rare spinal cord injury called surfer's myelopathy. Oct 7, 2024 · As for treatment, Brown says surfer’s myelopathy is rare, and therefore has been slow and difficult to study the number of patients required to develop and establish new treatment strategies. We report a rare instance of surfer's myelopathy in a 7-year-old boy who experienced acute paraplegia following his initial surfing attempt. Surfers’ myelopathy typically presents with back pain followed by rapid progression of leg paraplegia in a few hours [1 ]. Three male patients diagnosed with surfer's myelopathy (19-30 years) were admitted to our hospital. Physical examination revealed a spinal cord injury at T12 according to the American Spinal Injury Associ … Nov 14, 2012 · ABSTRACTObjective:We report the clinical characteristics of the largest series of nontraumatic spinal cord injury in novice surfers (surfers’ myelopathy). Belgrade University, School of Medicine, Serbia Abstract: Surfer’s myelopathy is a clinical entity first described in 2004. Surfer’s myelopathy First defined in 2004, surfer’s myelopathy is a rare nontraumatic cause of acute spinal cord infarction. Surfer’s myelopathy is a previously unreported nontraumatic spinal cord injury that affects inexperienced surfers. Though traditionally tied to first-time surfers, the condition encompasses any activity involving hyperextension of the back such as Surfer's myelopathy is a rare, nontraumatic spinal cord injury caused by hyperextension of the back and resulting in paraplegia (paralysis below the waist). Methods: MEDLINE ® and Google Scholar literature searches were gathered to identify relevant case reports for determining Sep 1, 2016 · Introduction Other Section First defined by Thompson et al. The most common cause? Extended periods of back arching during paddling and repeated “pop-up” motions on a surfboard. There is a registry dedi-cated to surfer’s myelopathy available to help promote awareness of and advocacy for this condition and to educate and provide advice to novice surfers, helping to prevent this unfortunate condition: www. Keywords: Water sports, Spinal cord injuries Mar 6, 2024 · Surfer’s myelopathy: a rare spinal injury in novice surfers. RESULTS: Sixty-four cases of surfer’s myelopathy have been reported to date. Surgery treats it. Surfer's myelopathy, because of its proposed mechanism of injury, is amenable to medical intervention. Surfer's myelopathy is a serious medical condition that requires immediate professional medical attention. In this way, we are contributing to medical education through a case report on the presentation, diagnostics, and treatment of surfer's myelopathy in a non–first-time surfer. Ares offers a comprehensive range of treatment options for myelopathy, tailored to each patient's specific needs. Although spinal cord ischemia is a suspected mechanism, few reports of spinal angiography have been performed in SM patients. Electronic medical records of 19 patients were reviewed from the largest tertiary referral hospital in Hawaii between June 2002 and November 2011. It occurs without any direct trauma to the spine, making it especially difficult to recognize. [2004], surfer’s myelopathy (SM) is a rare diagnosis of acute non-traumatic spinal cord infarction most commonly found in first time surfing patients (1). These surfers developed back pain that progressed to paraplegia with sensory and urinary symptoms. Who is at risk for Surfer’s Myelopathy? What are the treatment options for Surfer’s Myelopathy? How to prevent Surfer’s Myelopathy? What to do in the event of Surfer’s Myelopathy? Jul 10, 2025 · Surfer’s Myelopathy is a form of spinal cord ischemia —a disruption of blood flow to the spinal cord that leads to injury. Though traditionally tied to first-time surfers, the condition encompasses any activity involving hyperextension of the back such as gymnastics, yoga, and Pilates. All three patients were novice surfers showing a typical clinical course of rapid progression of paraplegia following the onset of back pain. Thus, publicizing this rare but serious condition (within and outside the medical literature) may be an effective interventio … Case adapted from Loh et al. Objectives. However, Treatment considerations based on prior cases and expert opinions are provided. It is non-traumatic spinal cord damage that occurs due to hyperextension of the lumbar part of the spinal column in certain phases of surfing, and almost exclusively affects beginners. Though traditionally tied to first-time surfers, the condition encompasses any activity Surfing is an uncommon cause of an acute nontraumatic myelopathy. A vascular mech-anism of the disease is related to spinal Surfer's myelopathy is a previously unreported nontraumatic spinal cord injury that affects inexperienced surfers. Dec 6, 2012 · Investigators presented the largest case series to date of non-traumatic spinal cord injury in novice surfers, also known as surfer's myelopathy. Conclusions: Surfer's myelopathy, because of its proposed mechanism of injury, is amenable to medical intervention. This presentation will delve into uncommon injuries affecting both novice and lifelong surfers, with an emphasis on Surfer's Myelopathy as a rare condition of the beginner. Jul 29, 2025 · The treatment for surfer's myelopathy primarily involves high-dose corticosteroids (methylprednisolone) as the first-line intervention, followed by comprehensive rehabilitation, though evidence for specific treatments remains limited due to the rarity of the condition. 24 A nontraumatic spinal cord injury related to surfing is called surfer's myelopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective review of 23 cases of surfer's myelopathy from 2003–2012. There are 16 published studies on this condition, including 66 cases. Treatment considerations based on prior cases and expert opinions are provided. RESULTS: Sixty-four cases of surfer's myelopathy have been reported to date. Methods:A retrospective review of the electronic medical record was performed in patients with Novice surfers are at risk for a rare but potentially devastating form of atraumatic myelopathy. Treatment may involve conservative measures, such as physical therapy, pain management techniques, or medication to relieve symptoms and improve function. Background Surfers’ myelopathy (SM) is a rare condition first defined by Thompson et al. It is defined as a nontraumatic spinal cord injury seen in novice surfers who maintained a prone position on the board with hyperextension of the spine for long periods, leading to the onset of back pain and progressive neurological deficits. A Surfer's myelopathy, Surfer's myelopathy is a atraumatic thoracic/conus medullaris myelopathy with only a 42% neurological recovery rate, almost uniformly affecting young, healthy, novice surfers who have no pre-existent spinal disease. [1]. This case underscores the importance of early detection and im-mediate treatment of surfer's myelopathy, particularly in pediatric patients. This atraumatic thoracic/conus medullaris myelopathy with only a 42% neurological recovery rate almost uniformly affects young, healthy, novice surfers who have no pre-existent spinal Feb 15, 2019 · Context: Surfer’s myelopathy (SM) is an acute syndrome identified by nontraumatic paraparesis or paraplegia. While the effectiveness of steroid therapy is still a subject of debate, its early administration in our patient significantly en-hanced neurological functions. This lumbar hyperextension can reduce circulation to the spinal cord Apr 15, 2019 · Surfer’s myelopathy is a rare but devastating condition experienced by beginner surfers. Feb 15, 2019 · Context: Surfer’s myelopathy (SM) is an acute syndrome identified by nontraumatic paraparesis or paraplegia. There is a registry dedicated to surfer’s myelopathy available to help promote awareness of and advocacy for this condition and to educate and provide advice to novice surfers, helping to prevent this unfortunate condition: www. Conclusion: Surfer’s myelopathy is a rare diagnosis that classically occurs in novice surfers. He reviewed myelopathy cases that occurred non-traumatically in novice surfers (typically participating in their first lesson). Ischemic changes in the spinal cord, venous thrombosis and fibro-cartilaginous Signal reduced over time with treatment or recovery Treatment: ? Corticosteroids ± Cyclophosphamide Wegener's Due to: Vasculitis or Pachymeningitis Sjögren's Mixed Connective Tissue Progressive Systemic Sclerosis Behçet syndrome 2 Onset: Subacute Clinical syndromes Transverse myelitis with paraplegia Brown–Séquard syndrome As for treatment, Brown says surfer’s myelopathy is rare, and therefore has been slow and difficult to study the number of patients required to develop and establish new treatment strategies. The authors reviewed a series of nontraumatic spinal cord injuries associated with surfing lessons. To characterize a unique syndrome of paraplegia/paraparesis to improve clinical recognition, treatment, and prevention. May 1, 2019 · Surfer's myelopathy was first described by Thompson et al in 2004 (1). Though traditionally tied to first-time surfers, the condition encompasses any Sep 7, 2016 · Surfers myelopathy can be a rapidly devastating disease and little is known surrounding the pathophysiology of the condition. Symptoms usually start with back pain and rapidly progress to complete or incomplete myelopathy. Its prognosis is almost exclusively dictated by severity at presentation/nadir. Surfer's myelopathy is a non-traumatic spinal cord injury linked to spinal hyperextension, which primarily occurs in novice surfers who have no prior spinal or vascular conditions [1, 2]. Background Surfer’s myelopathy is a rare complication of spinal hyperextension originally described in novice surfers. 3,4 A long ‘pencil-like’ T2-weighted hyperintensity in the anterior spinal cord is typically seen in surfer's myelopathy. All three patients were novice surfers showing a typical clinical course of rapid progression of Introduction Surfer’s Myelopathy (SM) is a rare condition which was first described in 2004 by Thompson et al. 2022. It is a rare cause of sudden spinal cord injury that occurs in the absence of direct trauma to the spinal area in novice Aug 26, 2019 · 18-year-old working his way back from paralysis after suffering rare ‘Surfer’s Myelopathy’ while taking a lesson in Seal Beach. The most common suggested mechanism of injury is static hyperextension. Postulated to only be driven by the excessive forces applied during surfing, from both manoeuvring and the surrounding waves, the underlying pathophysiology is driven by Surfer's myelopathy is a clinical entity associated with complete deficit in >50% of cases. alyzed. Treatment protocols in published cases varied greatly, and prognosis was dependent on the severity of injury and possibly the initial treatment utilized. Feb 10, 2011 · Surfer’s myelopathy, which may occur in novice surfers, is due to non-traumatic spinal cord injury resulting from prolonged spine hyperextension while lying prone on the surfboard. Recovery from complete motor loss is rare as effective treatment strategies have yet to be determined. Initially labelled by Thompson et al. Increased awareness of this condition may lead to early recognition and treatment, which should contribute to improved neurological outcomes. Discover causes, symptoms, prevention tips, and effective management strategies. Spinal cord MR imaging characteristics and neurologic examinations with the use May 14, 2025 · Surfers Myelopathy is a rare and serious spinal cord condition that typically affects first-time or novice surfers. Apr 25, 2023 · Background: Surfer’s myelopathy (SM) is a rare, non-traumatic spinal cord injury affecting healthy, novice surfers. On this episode of Ask a Specialist on the KHON2 News we’ll talk about what you need to know with Dr. Although most patients have a complete or near-complete recovery Oct 15, 2021 · Surfer’s myelopathy took away his ability to walk. Dec 1, 2013 · BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Surfing is an uncommon cause of an acute nontraumatic myelopathy. This was a retrospective review of 23 cases of surfer's myelopathy With specific reference to an acute myelopathy while surfing, studies have suggested likely unyielding investigatory results from inflammatory bloods and lumbar punctures with spinal MRI being the principle diagnostic test. Surfer’s myelopathy or surfer’s paralysis is a spinal cord injury that affects first-time surfers. Induced hypertension for initial treatment can be helpful for improving spinal cord perfusion; therefore, it is important for early and long-term neurological recovery. This atraumatic thoracic/conus medullaris myelopathy with only a 42% neurological recovery rate almost uniformly affects young, healthy, novice surfers who have no pre-existent spinal disease. An illustrative case that provides the most definitive support for a vascular cause is presented. Summary of Background Data. What is surfer’s myelopathy? Surfer’s myelopathy is a non-traumatic spinal cord injury that affects first time surfers. Myelopathy is spinal cord compression that causes pain, numbness and weakness in your arms, legs, hands or feet. Typical history and magnetic resonance imaging features indicated the diagnosis of surfer’s Study Design. aandhmvknvtjimpvbqflynxgmduveuzulqqzlgbugspcakjfvyigrqphgeghzagkgofpf