Cervical Myelopathy Flashcards
What are the main risk factors for degenerative cervical myelopathy?
Smoking
Genetics
Occupation
Anything exposing patient to axial loading
What are the main presenting signs of cervical myelopathy?
Pain
Loss of motor function
Loss of sensory function
Loss of autonomic function
Hoffman’s sign
Where is the pain usually present in someone with degernative cervical myelopathy?
The neck, upper or lower limbs
How can a loss of motor function present in someone with degernative cervical myelopathy?
Loss of digital dexterity
Arm or leg weakness/stiffness
How can a loss of sensory function present in someone with degernative cervial myelopathy?
Numbness
How can a loss of autonomic function present in someone with cervical myelopathy?
Urinary or faecal incontinence and/or impotence
What is a reflex test that can be used to test for degenerative cervical myelopathy?
Hoffman’s sign
What is a positive Hoffman’s sign?
Gently flicking one finger on a patient’s hand causes reflex twitching of the other fingers on the same hand in response to the flick.
What is the gold standard diagnostic test for cervical myelopathy?
MRI of the cervical spine
What might an MRI of the cervical spine show in someone with degenerative cervical myelopathy?
Disc degeneration
Ligament hypertrophy
What is the initially management of someone presenting with degenerative cervical myelopathy?
Urgent referral for assessment by specialist spinal services
When should surgery be carried out for the best chance of full recovery?
Early treatment (within 6 months of diagnosis) offers the best chance of a full recovery
What is the management of degenrative cervical myelopathy?
Decompressive surgery
Do symptoms present unilaterally or bilaterally in someone with cervical myelopathy?
Bilaterally
What is the most common cause of cervical myelopathy?
Cervical spondylosis
