A Case of Bilateral Sciatic Neuropathy Caused by Lotus Position

J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 22(4); 2004 > Article

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 2004;22(4): 418-420.

가부좌에 의해 발생한 양측성 좌골신경병증 1예

김동환, 권오영*† 김영수* 김선혜* 손승남* 박기종*† 최낙천*† 임병훈

경상대학교 의과대학 신경과학교실*, 경상대학교 건강과학연구원

A Case of Bilateral Sciatic Neuropathy Caused by Lotus Position

Donghwan Kim

Department of Neurology, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine*, Jinju; Gyeongsang Institute of Health Science, Gyeongsang National University†, Jinji, Korea

Abstract

The prolonged pressure against the buttock or posterior thigh may cause the stretch or direct compression of the sciatic nerve. A sixty-year old man fell asleep, heavily inebriated in the lotus position, and developed paralysis, paresthesia and sensory loss in both lower extremities on awakening after 10 hours of sleep. A nerve conduction study and electromyography revealed bilateral sciatic neuropathy. The symptoms gradually recovered spontaneously. Stayng in the lotus position for a long time in a drunken stupor can damage the sciatic nerve bilaterally. Key Words: Sciatic neuropathy, Lotus position, Nerve compression syndromes