On The Edge of Life : A Life-Threatening High Cervical Injury

Abstract

Cervical trauma is a life-threatening condition that may result in severe sensory and motor deficits. High cervical injuries are particularly associated with respiratory compromise due to impairment of the diaphragm, intercostal muscles, and accessory respiratory musculature. A Case Report, 17-year-old female patient came with complaints of weakness in all four limbs after falling from a motorcycle. Physical examination found loss of motor nerve function in all extremities and decreased sensory function to as high as C5. The results of the MSCT examination showed compression fractures and dislocations with translation of the C5 vertebral corpus to the posterior with disruption of the posterior ligamentum complex. This case highlights the unique and unpredictable clinical course of high cervical spine injury in an adolescent patient, particularly the occurrence of acute respiratory and hemodynamic deterioration before surgical stabilization. It underscores the importance of early recognition, continuous respiratory monitoring, and multidisciplinary management in patients with high cervical trauma. This case adds to the scientific literature by emphasizing that severe respiratory compromise can occur early in young patients with cervical spine injuries, even before operative treatment, and should be anticipated to optimize patient outcomes.