Cervical Myleopathy Flashcards
What is cervical myelopathy
Typically onset from conditions such as spondylosis, herniated discs or congenital stenosis. The compression of the spinal cord ca;lead to ischemia, demyelination and neural damage
Epidemiology and risk factors of cervical myelopathy
More common in individuals over 50 due to degenerative changes
Occupational hazards, repetitive necks movement or heavy lifting
Previous neck injury such as trauma can predispose indicates to develop myelopathy
Genetic predispositions
More common in females
Clinical presentation of cervical myelopathy
-neck pain and stiffness
-weakness in the arms and hands, often described as clumsy
-sensory changes
- such as numbness or tingling in the upper extremities
-gait disturbances and balance issues
-in some cases bowel and bladder dysfunction
-reflex changes, hyperflexia-increased reflexes, babinski sign
Systemic effects of cervical myelopathy
Impaired mobility, decreased physical activities and poetical complications around DVT
autonomic dysfunction, may occur in severe cases, affecting bladder/bowel control
Psychological Imp t, chronic pain and disability can lead to anxiety
Pathology of cervical myelopathy
Arises from conditions such as cervical spondylosis, herniated discs or congenital stenosis. The compression of the spinal cord can lead to ischemia, dylemination and neural damage, resulting in in a range of neurological deficits
Differential diagnosis of cervical myelopathy
Multiple sclerosis, similar to neurological symptoms
Amytrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may mimic my,empathy but has distinct clinical features
Peripheral neuropathy, can cause weakness and sensory changes but typically does not include spinal cord compression
Tumours or infections
Treatment of cervical myelopathy
Conservative management: mobilisations, pain management, actitivty modifications
Surgical interventions: decompression surgery
