The cases of two patients in whom complete but transient quadriplegia
developed after an injury that was incurred while playing football are
presented. Both patients were found to have a congenitally narrow cervical
vertebral canal. Critical stenosis resulting in the transient quadriplegia
occurred after a presumed injury to a cervical disc. In our opinion, a
myelogram should be made for patients with a history of transient
quadriplegia, numbness, or a burning sensation down the back or the lower
extremities, even if other radiographic studies are interpreted as
negative. Patients who have stenosis of the cervical spine should be
advised to discontinue participation in contact sports.