Professional
Technical
IVT
myelopathy
Pronunciation: my-eh-LOP-ah-thee
Dysfunction of the spinal cord causing neurological symptoms below the level of injury.
Full Definition
A neurological condition resulting from compression, injury, or disease of the spinal cord itself. Myelopathy typically presents with a combination of motor weakness, sensory disturbances, and upper motor neuron signs such as hyperreflexia and pathological reflexes. Unlike radiculopathy, which affects individual nerve roots, myelopathy affects the central spinal cord and can cause symptoms throughout the body below the level of the lesion. Cervical myelopathy is the most common form in adults.
Usage
Usage note: Critical to distinguish from radiculopathy in clinical documentation and surgical planning.
In Context
- "Cervical myelopathy was confirmed by MRI showing cord compression and T2 hyperintensity." — Diagnostic workup
- "The patient's myelopathic gait improved following decompressive surgery." — Post-operative assessment
Also known as
spinal cord dysfunction
Contrasted with
radiculopathy
Don't confuse with
radiculopathy
neuropathy