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Cervical Myelopathy and
Cervical Stenosis
Cervical stenosis is a condition characterized by a narrow spine. This can result in the compression of the spinal cord. Compression of the spinal cord is the most common cause of spinal cord dysfunction which is called cervical myelopathy. Cervical stenosis may be congenital, meaning that you are born with a narrow spine, or it may be acquired and result from heriation of a disc or the development of a bone spur. Frequently it is a combination of a congenital and an acquired problem.
Symptoms
Cervical stenosis only causes symptoms if it causes compression of the nerve roots or spinal cord. If so, the patient is said to have radiculopathy (compression of a nerve) or myelopathy (compression of the spinal cord). The symptoms of radiculopathy are limited to one arm and consist of pain, weakness or numbness. The symptoms of myelopathy are much more diffuse and can be quite confusing. The first step to diagnosing myelopathy is to think of it. Patients with this condition may complain of headache which may be confused with migraine. They also complain of nausea, vomiting, dizziness, vertigo, sensitivity to sound, light, and smells, widespread pain, weakness, clumsiness, balance problems, difficulty with memory and concentration, urinary urgency and frequency, disturbances in bowel habits, and fatigue.
Diagnosis
Cervical myelopathy is diagnosed by detailed history and physical examination. The cause of myelopathy is determined by MRI scan which will show spinal stenosis and spinal cord compression. Other causes of myelopathy besides spinal stenosis include multiple sclerosis, vitamin B 12 deficiency, spinal cord tumor, syringomyrlia, and AVM of the spinal cord.
Treatment
The treatment of spinal stenosis may include surgical and non-surgical therapies. Non-surgical therapies include medications and neck immobilization with a collar. Surgical therapy involves relieving the compression of the spinal cord by enlarging the spinal canal. There are several ways to accomplish this depending on the cause of the compression.
Photos
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For More Information
©2003 Heffez Neurosurgical Associates, S.C.