Cervical myelopathy/stenosis

Fast facts on cervical myelopathy:

• Condition caused by compression of spinal cord characterised by clumsiness of hands and gait imbalance.
• Majority experience progressive symptoms and require surgery to relieve pressure on spinal cord.
• Surgery can be done from back (cervical laminectomy) or front depending on individual case.
• Surgery halts progression of symptoms in majority of patients.

48 year old lady with weakness in hands and gait disturbance progressing to wheelchair mobility in a span of 6 weeks. MRI showed multilevel cervical stenosis with cord compression. 4 level cervical laminectomy and fusion. This surgery halted her deterioration and she underwent rehabilitation.