Pathophysiology of cervical myelopathy (Review)

Abstract

Cervical myelopathy is a well-described medulla spinalis syndrome characterized by sensory disorders, such as pain, numbness, or paresthesia in the limbs, and motor disorders, such as muscle weakness, gait difficulties, spasticity, or hyperreflexia. If left untreated, cervical myelopathy can significantly affect the quality of life of patients, while in severe cases, it can cause disability or even quadriplegia. Cervical myelopathy is the final stage of spinal cord insult and can result from transgene dysplasias of the spinal cord, and acute or chronic injuries. Spondylosis is a common, multifactor cause of cervical myelopathy and affects various elements of the spine. The development of spondylotic changes in the spine is gradual during the patient's life and the symptoms are presented at a late stage, when significant damage has already been inflicted on the spinal cord. Spondylosis is widely considered a condition affecting the middle aged and elderly. Given the fact that the population is gradually becoming older, in the near future, clinicians may have to face an increased number of patients with spondylotic myelopathy.