Tapia syndrome: an unusual complication following posterior cervical spine surgery

Abstract

Tapia syndrome, a rare complication of posterior cervical surgery, characterised by concurrent paralyses of recurrent laryngeal branch of vagus and hypoglossal cranial nerves, occurred in a patient after posterior cervical foraminotomies for radiculopathy. We discuss hypothesised pathophysiology, and diagnostic, therapeutic and avoidance strategies in relevance to prone neurosurgical procedures.

Keywords:

• Tapia
• cervical foraminotomy
• hypoglossal nerve palsy

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.