Traumatic myelopathic conditions without radiological findings are called spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality (SCIWORA). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the standard diagnostic tool. Although first seen as a pediatric condition yet later began to be reported in adult populations too. In our case of a 27-year-old male who suffered a motor vehicle collision, there was a presentation of bilateral hyperesthesia in C4-C5 dermatomes. Patient's vitals, X-ray and computed tomography were normal. During the extended diagnostics, a bilateral, symmetrical signal intensity and a ''snake eyes'' sign were seen in MRI. Having a common injury mechanism, the diagnosis of SCIWORA continued to be overlooked, causing the forensic reporting to be erroneous, could lead to a loss of legal rights. In cases that have a relevant history and neurological signs that could be SCIWORA, using proper imaging and keeping forensic medical guides up to date remains a must.
Sakar et al. (Thu,) studied this question.