XXXX in the elderly.

@entity1 @entity571 @entity6 @entity5 @entity602 @entity1745 @entity179 @entity426
The clinical features of six @entity1 with @entity602 are presented. These cases comprise the neurosurgical experience of one of the authors (B.B.) over approximately a 3-year period. Median age was 76 years with a range of 65-89 years. Previous reports of this disorder have not emphasized the occurrence of this @entity5 in the later decades. A notable feature was delay in diagnosis. Only one @entity1 had a correct diagnosis of @entity1745 prior to admission. Incorrect diagnoses included @entity6 , @entity571 , @entity179 , gait disturbance secondary to fall and a thalamic cerebrovascular accident. Gait disorders at presentation included paraparesis, wide-based gait and unclassified disability. All @entity1 had pyramidal tract signs and five had a truncal sensory level. Plain radiographs of the spine were unhelpful and can dissuade the physician from the diagnosis. All @entity5 were in the thoracic region. Surgery resulted in cure in all @entity1 and diverted one @entity1 from planned institutional care. @entity602 should be considered in elderly @entity1 presenting with @entity426 .
