A case report on compressive myelopathy

Abstract

Compressive cervical myelopathy is referred as a neck condition that arises when the spinal cord becomes squeezed due to the wear-and-tear changes that occur in the spine with advancing age. Etiological factors for this include Trauma, congenital stenosis, tumor, Viral processes, degenerative processes like intervertebral disc herniation and Spondylosis. Cervical cord compressive myelopathy is the most common cause of spinal cord dysfunction in individuals >70yrs age and prevalence is seen more in men than in women. Symptoms include pain, numbness and weakness in the neck or arms with decrease in fine motor skills. Physical therapy evaluation indicates unsteady gait, hypertonia, multi segmental weakness or sensation loss and positive babinski sign. MRI is the gold standard for diagnosis of compressive myelopathy. Physical therapy is found to be useful in preventing progression in 70% of patients with mild symptoms. Patients with poor response to conservative therapy, severe gait instability and weakness are treated with surgery. We report a case of 52 year old Female who suffered loss of grip in her left hand since her delivery. Mylogram was conducted and syringomyelia was diagnosed. Years later she developed compressive myelopathy.