Myelopathy or cervical myelopathy can be described as the damage or degeneration of the spinal cord part which is present in the neck. The cervical spine goes down to the first seven vertebrae and it usually begins at the base of the skull.
Myelopathy Causes
The major causes of cervical myelopathy include:
- Degeneration of cervical disc
- Development of bone spurs
- Having a slip disc
- Compression of the spinal cord
- Tumors in the spinal cord
- Fracture or dislocation of the neck
- Suffering a traumatic injury or accident to the cervical spine
- Suffering from disease of the autoimmune type like multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis and neuromyelitis optica
Myelopathy Symptoms
The symptoms of myelopathy include:
- Neck pain which spreads through shoulders and arms
- Tingling sensation as well feeling of numbness in legs and arms
- A feeling of weakness in the muscles
- Having difficulty in balancing as well as walking
- A feeling of stiffness while flexing the neck
- Buzzing and tingling sensation in fingers that create problem in fine motor movements
- Feeling dizzy and lightheaded
- Having problem in controlling bladder and bowel activities
- Feeling of weakness below the waist or in some cases, all four limbs
Myelopathy Diagnosis
Usually a doctor who specializes in spinal injuries starts the procedure of diagnosis with closely learning about the patient’s medical history and symptoms. Then he proceeds with a proper and complete physical examination. The examination usually focuses on the muscle weakness. Neck pain diagnosis is often an important part of the examination as it helps in the diagnosis of the problem.
Some doctors also perform neurological tests so as to check the mental state, reflexes as well as the vision of the patient.
Imaging tests like x-ray, CT scan as well as MRI scan are also used in to diagnose myelopathy.
