Sirsasana (Headstand) Pose Causing Compressive Myelopathy With Myelomalacia

Ferreira, Michelle A.; Gálvez‐Jiménez, Néstor

doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2013.589

Cited by 12 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…An extensive literature review revealed one other case of cervical myelopathy precipitated by a yoga. This practitioner held Sirsasana, yet another headstand pose requiring the full weight of the body to be held by the neck [5]. Such axial loading in the setting of prior spondylotic stenosis may be the common mechanism underlying both cases.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cervical arterial dissection and traumatic myelopathy following yoga: surgical case report

Nayar

Agarwal

Alan

et al. 2022

Spinal Cord Ser Cases

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INTRODUCTION: Cervical spondylosis can predispose patients to central canal stenosis. In this setting, myelopathy through further flattening of the cord from extrinsic compression can be precipitated by relatively minor traumas. Arterial dissection is similarly considered a result of high velocity or momentum during trauma, commonly associated with fractures, cervical hyperflexion, or direct blunt force to the neck. Overall, precautions for both arterial dissection and myelopathy are rarely considered in low-velocity, static activities such as yoga. CASE PRESENTATION: The authors report the case of a 63-year-old man who suffered concurrent cervical myelopathy from multilevel spondylopathy, right vertebral artery dissection, and left cervical carotid artery dissection following a yoga session. Symptomatology consisted of acute onset neck pain, upper extremity sensory paresthesia, worsening gait and balance, and impaired dexterity for several weeks. Cervical MRI was obtained given myelopathic symptoms and revealed spondylosis with compression and T2 signal change at C3-C4. CT angiography of the neck revealed aforementioned dissections without flow limiting stenosis or occlusion. A therapeutic heparin infusion was started preoperatively until the patient underwent C3-C4 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Aspirin and Plavix were then started without incidence and the patient had significant but gradual improvement in myelopathic symptoms at 6-week follow-up. DISCUSSION: The static yet intensive poses associated with yoga present a rare etiology for arterial dissection and myelopathy, but patients with persistent and progressive symptoms should be screened with the appropriate imaging modality. Cervical decompression should be expedited before initiating an antiplatelet medication.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cervical arterial dissection and traumatic myelopathy following yoga: surgical case report

Nayar

Agarwal

Alan

et al. 2022

Spinal Cord Ser Cases

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show abstract

“…Compressive myelopathy in a report was attributed to a yogic pose called Sirsasana (headstand). [ 28 ] Popular books and websites by prominent yoga practitioners and gurus[ 29 30 31 ] warn against probable disturbances associated with Kundalini awakening including depressive and anxiety symptoms, physical pain, suicidal tendencies, burning sensation, and possible psychotic breakdown. Dr. Bonnie Greenwell,[ 32 ] yoga practitioner and clinical psychologist, warns that emotional upheavals with Kundalini yoga can resemble psychotic breakdowns, wherein the person might feel unattached to reality and agitated.…”

Section: Are There Any Adverse Effects Due To Yoga? Yes!mentioning

confidence: 99%

Yoga in Psychiatry: An Examination of Concept, Efficacy, and Safety

Reddy¹,

Vijay²

2016

Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine

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“…Johnson et al [9] describe a 29-year-old healthy woman who presented with a spontaneous pneumothorax (collapsed lung) after practicing Kapalabhati Pranayama. Ferreira and Galvez-Jimenez[10] report a daily practice of headstand leading to compressive myelopathy with myelomalacia (spinal cord injury) in a 52-year-old woman.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Do side-effects/injuries from yoga practice result in discontinued use? Results of a national survey

Holton¹,

Barry²

2014

Int J Yoga

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Context:Yoga-related injuries are of increasing concern as the use of yoga continues to rise.Aims:The aim of the following study is to examine whether a national sample of yoga practitioners would report discontinued use of yoga due to injury from the practice, assess what injuries resulted in discontinued use, determine what injuries were most common and identify injuries requiring medical attention.Methods:Secondary data analysis of a nationally representative sample of adults in the United States (n = 23,393).Results:Less than 1% of individuals who had ever practiced yoga (n = 2230) reported an injury from yoga that led to discontinued use. Of those reporting injury, less than one-third (n = 4) reported seeking medical attention. The most common side-effect was back pain. Approximately, half of those reporting back pain sought medical attention.Conclusions:Injury due to yoga is an infrequent barrier to continued practice and severe injury due to yoga is rare.

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Sirsasana (Headstand) Pose Causing Compressive Myelopathy With Myelomalacia

Cited by 12 publications

References 2 publications

Cervical arterial dissection and traumatic myelopathy following yoga: surgical case report

Cervical arterial dissection and traumatic myelopathy following yoga: surgical case report

Yoga in Psychiatry: An Examination of Concept, Efficacy, and Safety

Do side-effects/injuries from yoga practice result in discontinued use? Results of a national survey

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