Late-onset progressive radiculomyelopathy in patients with cervical athetoid-dystonic cerebral palsy.

Three patients with severe athetoid-dystonic type of cerebral palsy involving the neck musculature developed in their fourth to fifth decade progressive cervical radiculomyelopathy associated with vertebral spondylarthrotic compressive lesions in addition to their long-standing neurological syndrome. It is likely that the late-onset myelopathy is linked to continuous torsion, compression and 'wear and tear' of the cervical spinal cord, induced by the involuntary movements. In 2 patients decompressive cervical spinal surgery was ineffective, suggesting irreversible damage.