Cervical Myelopathy

Question 1

What is it

Answer 1

Condition caused by compression of the spinal cord in the cervical region, leading to neurological symptoms

Question 2

Features

Answer 2

Neck pain
Lack of fine motor skills
Weakness in arms or legs
Gait instability
Numbness or tingling
Hyperreflexia
Bladder or bowel dysfunction

Question 3

Epidemiology

Answer 3

Common in over 50+
Increases risk with age
Common cause of disability in older adults

Question 4

Age

Answer 4

Older adults - usually 50+
Younger adults with spinal stenosis or trauma
Trauma

Question 5

Risk/ Cause

Answer 5

Degenerative changes - OA, spinal stenosis
Trauma
Previous spinal surgery
RA
Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament

Question 6

Presentation

Answer 6

Neck pain
Stiffness
Loss of fine motor control
Gait disturbance
Weakness in upper or lower extremities
Sensory changes
Advance cases - urinary urgency

Question 7

Prognosis

Answer 7

Often worsens over time
Surgical intervention
Variable recovery - depends on the severity and duration
Early intervention leads to better outcomes
Untreated - can lead to permanent spinal cord damage, paralysis, loss of bladder/ bowel control