Neurologic complications in prostatic carcinoma.

A review of 10 years experience with prostatic carcinoma was undertaken with a search for neurologic complications. An unusual case presenting with symptoms of hemiplegia is reviewed. Of 154 charts, 90 provided adequate clinical information for complete analysis. Nineteen cases with neurologic complications were found and were restricted entirely to advanced (stages C and D) disease. Thirty-seven percent of patients with advanced disease developed neurologic complications. The most frequent complaints were related to organic brain syndrome, paraplegia, and radiculopathy. Eight patients developed peripheral nerve or spinal cord injury related to metastatic disease. Five patients suffered metabolic or paraneoplastic complications; three patient's symptoms related to central or epidural metastases and two patients developed neurologic symptoms related to complications of therapy. All neurologic symptoms improved given appropriate diagnosis and treatment. A brief review of the literature is included emphasizing the diverse nature of neurologic complications in this common neoplasm.