Question 1

cervical myelopathy. what is it?

Accepted Answer

Spinal cord problem: In broad terms, it means the spinal cord in the neck area is not working properly. Symptoms (problems) a person may experience include loss of hand strength & dexterity (trouble writing, typing, opening jars, buttoning clothes), numbness or tingling in arms, hands, legs, unsteady gait (walking). It can come from pressure on the cord, but also some infections & other conditions. It is serious.

Question 2

what is cervical myelopathy due to?

Accepted Answer

Several things: One of the most common is spondylosis: the natural degenerative (aging) of the neck, which narrows the space for the spinal cord. A large disk herniation (rupture) can also do this. Sometime ligaments within the channel containing the cord can thicken, occasionally becoming bone, and compress the cord. Pus from infection and tumor can do this. Radiation can cause myelopathy as can some infections.

Question 3

what sort of disease is cervical myelopathy?

Accepted Answer

Weakness: This literally means 'muscle weakness coming from the neck' or any kind of 'pinching of the nerves' in the neck causing weakness in the upper extremities. A MRI  is the best test to find the source: usually a 'bulging disc' but a tumor needs to be ruled out.

Question 4

how common is it for somebody to get cervical myelopathy?

Accepted Answer

Not so common: Cervical myelopathy is a condtion of the neck where spurs cause narrowing of the spinal canal with injury to the spinal cord.
Sometimes this is reversible and other times it is permanent.
It does not occur that often.  This is a condition requiring surgery as the spinal canal must be restored to a normal caliber.
If not, paralysis can occur.

Question 5

i know cervical myelopathy has consequences. what are they?

Accepted Answer

Neurologic injury: Cervical myelopathy typically involves spinal cord compression with ongoing spinal cord injury and therefore patient can either develop progressive or permanent neurologic injury if the problem is not addressed in a timely manner.

Question 6

do lots of people get cervical myelopathy, or is it unusual?

Accepted Answer

Not very frequent: Cervical myelopathy means the discs are compressing the spinal cord, causing spinal cord dysfunction, no just pain, they have to have weakness in there legs and sensory symptoms --this is rare

more common cervical radiculopathy, where a disc compress one nerve root coming out, cause weakness, numbness and pain in one arm.

Question 7

what kind of doctor sees somebody for cervical myelopathy?

Accepted Answer

Neurosurgeon: Neurosurgeon, spine surgeon, neurologist.

Question 8

is there tratment for spasticity due to cervical myelopathy ?

Accepted Answer

Spasticity: There's no 100% cure.  Most effective treatment I am aware of is a medication called Baclofen (lioresal), that is dosed as 10-20 mg 3 times a day. For more severe spasms there are surgical releases or nerve eradication procedures.

Question 9

any surgical tratment for spasticity due to cervical myelopathy ?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: If the spinal cord becomes compressed or damaged by progressive degeneration, then surgery is usually mandatory to prevent further damage.  If the myelopathy is due to problems such as ms or underlying medical problems, surgery is not anticipated to benefit.  Knowing the underlying cause, allows therapeutic decision making.

Question 10

are dizziness and vertigo symptoms of cervical myelopathy?

Accepted Answer

No: Cervical myelopathy causes symptoms of numbness and muscle weakness, but do not cause dizziness or v ertigo.

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Cervical myelopathy. what is it?

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I know cervical myelopathy has consequences. what are they?

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Any surgical tratment for spasticity due to cervical myelopathy ?

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Are dizziness and vertigo symptoms of cervical myelopathy?

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