Role of MRI in Non-Traumatic Paraparesis and Tetraparesis

Background: This study was performed to assess the frequency of various causes of non-traumatic paraparesis and tetraparesis based on the findings of Magnetic Resonance Imaging [MRI]. Patients and Methods: A total of fifteen patients who presented with nontraumatic paraparesis and tetraparesis were studied. MRI of spine of all patients and MRI of brain of selected patients were carried out. Based on MRI findings alone causes of non-traumatic paraparesis and tetraparesis were categorized. Results: Twelve cases were of paraparesis and three cases were of tetraparesis. Male to female ratio was 2:1. Mean age was 32.7. Infective spondylitis is still one of the common causes of paraparesis in developing countries accounting for almost 33% .Spondylotic myelopathy is the single most common cause of non-traumatic tetraparesis. Conclusion: MRI is useful in differentiating between various causes of cord compression like neoplastic, spondylotic and infective lesions. Clinical and imaging evaluation of patients vary according to different regions.