Systematic histological examination of the central nervous system of a case of transverse lesion of the spinal cord in the lower cervical region / by Sidney V. Sewell and H. Hume Turnbull.

  • Sewell, Sidney V.
Date:
[1910]
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Licence: In copyright

Credit: Systematic histological examination of the central nervous system of a case of transverse lesion of the spinal cord in the lower cervical region / by Sidney V. Sewell and H. Hume Turnbull. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by King’s College London. The original may be consulted at King’s College London.

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    [Reprinted from the Proceedings op the Royal Society op Medicine, January, 1910.] Systematic Histological Examination of the Central Nervous System of a Case of Transverse Lesion of the Spinal Cord in the Lower Cervical Region. By Sidney V. Sewell and H. Hume Turnbull. T. T., aged 14, suffered from a fracture-dislocation of the spinal column in the mid-cervical region, as the result of a motor-cab accident. The patient was admitted to Charing Cross Hospital under the care of Mr. Stanley Boyd, and was seen by Dr. F. W. Mott, to whom we are indebted for the opportunity of examining the central nervous system, and for the following brief notes of the case :— Shortly after the accident there was found to be complete flaccid paralysis of the trunk and limbs, breathing being wholly diaphragmatic, and the only movements which remained were slight flexion and prona- tion of the forearms. All the deep reflexes were absent, and the plantar response was at first flexor, and later doubtful extensor in type. Later he recovered some movements in the right arm and slight voluntary flexion of the thighs, which was accompanied by spasticity of the lower limbs. There was at first marked comparative loss of all forms of sensation in the legs, with almost total loss in the trunk up to the level of the first rib, but ultimately sensation improved considerably, with the exception of the thermic sensibility, which remained very markedly impaired. For some days after the accident there was incontinence of urine and faeces, followed later by persistent retention, and priapism