Myelopathy: A Clinical Approach

Abstract

Myelopathy is a clinical diagnosis with many causes. A focused history and neurologic exam can help identify a myelopathic syndrome that guides a targeted workup. Though an exact cause may not always be identified, a thoughtful clinical approach can narrow down the differential diagnosis enough to treat the patient.

Approach to non-compressive myeloneuropathy through a rendezvous of 11 cases from an Indian backdrop

“…Whereas other common sensory symptoms like “plaster-cast” sensation, dysesthesias (allodynia, hyperalgesia, or profound loss of sensations), “Lhermitte sign”, girdle-like sensation, and root-pain, when present, are suggestive of myelopathy. 7 Whereas weakness, atrophy, sensory loss, and hyporeflexia or areflexia are typical manifestations of peripheral neuropathy, signs of myelopathy include sensory loss, weakness, spasticity, hyperreflexia, and extensor plantar responses. 8 …”