Cervical Myelopathy - What is it? How can we treat it?
Armaghani Spine・15 minutes read
Dr. Armagani discusses common spine conditions causing pain and discomfort, such as cervical myelopathy, which involves compression of the spinal cord leading to symptoms like balance problems and hand dexterity issues. Treatment options include thorough physical exams, baseline MRI, and surgical procedures to decompress the spinal cord, with the possibility of neck or back surgeries like anterior cervical discectomy infusion.
Insights
- Cervical myelopathy, a condition involving spinal cord compression, can lead to a range of symptoms like balance issues, hand dexterity problems, and strength loss, impacting daily functioning significantly.
- Treatment for cervical myelopathy often necessitates surgical intervention, with options including anterior cervical discectomy infusion or cervical laminoplasty, highlighting the importance of consulting with a specialist to prevent symptom progression and potential deterioration over time.
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Recent questions
What are common symptoms of cervical myelopathy?
Symptoms of cervical myelopathy include dropping items, difficulty buttoning clothes, balance issues, walking instability, hand dexterity problems, strength loss, and sensory issues.
What is the anatomy involved in cervical myelopathy?
The anatomy involved in cervical myelopathy includes vertebrae, discs, spinal cord, and spinal fluid.
What are the treatment options for cervical myelopathy?
Treatment options for cervical myelopathy include thorough physical exams, baseline MRI, and surgical options like anterior cervical discectomy infusion or cervical laminoplasty.
How does cervical myelopathy progress over time?
The progression of cervical myelopathy is not linear but rather stepwise, with periods of improvement and decline.
What are the surgical options for cervical myelopathy?
Surgical options for cervical myelopathy include anterior cervical discectomy infusion, cervical laminoplasty, and posterior cervical laminectomy infusion.
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Summary
00:00
Understanding Cervical Myelopathy and Treatment Options
- Dr. Armagani discusses common spine conditions causing pain and discomfort, such as cervical myelopathy.
- Symptoms include dropping items, difficulty buttoning clothes, balance issues, and walking instability.
- Cervical myelopathy involves compression of the spinal cord, slowing signal transmission from the brain.
- MRI anatomy overview includes vertebrae, discs, spinal cord, and spinal fluid.
- Common complaints related to neck issues include arm and neck pain, degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, and kyphosis.
- Patients may experience arm pain, neck pain, or both, with some cases lacking an identifiable cause.
- Cervical myelopathy symptoms include balance problems, hand dexterity issues, strength loss, and sensory problems.
- Compression of the spinal cord leads to cervical myelopathy, causing symptoms like functional decline.
- Progression of cervical myelopathy is not linear but rather stepwise, with periods of improvement and decline.
- Treatment involves thorough physical exams, baseline MRI, and surgical options to decompress the spinal cord and halt symptom progression.
15:39
Surgical options for cervical myelopathy explained.
- Neck or back surgery for cervical myelopathy can be done through the front (anterior cervical discectomy infusion) or the back of the neck (cervical laminoplasty or posterior cervical laminectomy infusion). It is crucial to consult with a spine surgeon or neurologist if experiencing symptoms, as early signs may worsen over time, potentially requiring surgical intervention. To learn more about these surgical options, refer to the provided links for educational videos or contact the surgeon for a consultation.
