Purpose
To report an uncommon case of Opalski syndrome following traumatic C4–C5 facet dislocation with vertebral artery dissection, and to discuss its diagnostic and therapeutic implications.
Materials and Methods
A 60-year-old woman presented after a motor vehicle collision with bilateral upper limb weakness. Cervical X-ray, CT, MRI, and CT angiography revealed C4–C5 facet dislocation and left vertebral artery occlusion. Urgent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion were performed, and the postoperative course was monitored.
Results
Immediate postoperative improvement to 4/5 strength in both arms was noted; however, new left facial numbness appeared at 12 hours and left lower limb weakness with gait ataxia at 48 hours. Brain MRI confirmed left lateral medullary infarction, and aspirin therapy was initiated. At one month, left arm strength recovered to 4/5, but ataxia persisted.
Conclusions
In cervical trauma patients with C4–C5 facet dislocation and vertebral artery injury on initial imaging, the possibility of delayed lateral medullary infarction—particularly Opalski syndrome—should be considered. Prompt brainstem imaging and tailored antithrombotic therapy are essential when new neurologic deficits arise.