Mirror movements associated with cervical limited dorsal myeloschisis: a unique case study

Childs Nerv Syst. 2024 Apr 12. doi: 10.1007/s00381-024-06389-6. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Mirror movements, characterized by involuntary symmetrical movements in contralateral body parts during intentional movements, have been associated with various neurological conditions. Limited dorsal myeloschisis (LDM), a rare form of spinal dysraphism, is defined by a focal closed midline defect and a fibro-neural stalk connecting the skin lesion to the underlying cord. We present a unique case of a 4-year-old girl with cervical LDM exhibiting mirror movements. The patient underwent surgical exploration, skin tag excision, fibrous tract removal, and cervical spinal cord detethering. Post-operatively, there was a partial improvement in mirror movements and a complete resolution of hand grip weakness.

Keywords: Limited dorsal myeloschisis; Mirror movement; Myeloschisis; Spinal dysraphism.