Acute flaccid paralysis of a new surfer: a case report

Surfer’s myelopathy is a rare spinal cord injury, typically affecting novice surfers. The patient experienced acute low back pain, lower limb weakness, sensory loss, urinary retention, and perineal paraesthesia after her first surf lesson. MRI showed hyperintensity from T6 to the conus, indicating restricted diffusion. She received methylprednisolone and rehabilitation. Despite persistent neuropathic pain, she managed with medication and non-pharmacological interventions. Four months post-injury, she was discharged, independent in transfers and wheelchair mobility, and managed her bowel and bladder independently. At six months, she was participating in driving and vocational rehabilitation programs.

• 1
  The patient presented with acute low back pain, lower limb weakness, sensory loss, urinary retention, and perineal paraesthesia 1 hour after her first surf lesson.
• 2
  MRI of the spine revealed evidence of restricted diffusion from T6 to the level of the conus, leading to a diagnosis of complete T7 spinal cord injury secondary to surfer’s myelopathy.
• 3
  Despite no improvement in neurological status four months after the initial presentation, she was independent of transfers and mobility with a wheelchair.