An unusual cause of recurrent laryngospasm: A case report

We present an unusual case of recurrent laryngospasm following cervical spine trauma.Case reportA 41-year-old pedestrian was hit by a car sustaining several spine fractures including a comminuted fracture of C1. These were initially unrecognised, and his cervical spine was not immobilised. During this time the patient experienced three episodes of laryngospasm requiring intubation. On day 11 his fractures were identified, and a Philadelphia collar was placed. He made a full recovery without any neurological sequelae.DiscussionLaryngospasm is a recognised complication of anaesthesia and intubation. This case illustrates that this life-threatening complication can also follow cervical fractures, and reinforces the need for prompt and careful review of imaging to identify such fractures in trauma patients, especially those with stridor.
Source: African Journal of Emergency Medicine - Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research