Myelopathies are a group of conditions that affect the spinal cord and result in various symptoms, such as muscle weakness, sensory loss, and gait disturbances. There are two main types of myelopathies: extra-medullary and intra-medullary.
- Extra-medullary myelopathies: These are myelopathies that affect the spinal cord but occur outside the spinal cord itself. Some examples of extra-medullary myelopathies include:
- Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal, which can compress the spinal cord.
- Cervical spondylotic myelopathy: A common condition that occurs with aging and results from degenerative changes in the cervical spine.
- Epidural spinal cord compression: This occurs when a tumor or other mass compresses the spinal cord from the outside.
- Intra-medullary myelopathies: These are myelopathies that occur within the spinal cord itself. Some examples of intra-medullary myelopathies include:
- Multiple sclerosis: An autoimmune disease that damages the myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers in the spinal cord and brain.
- Transverse myelitis: Inflammation of the spinal cord that can result in motor and sensory symptoms.
- Spinal cord tumors: Tumors that develop within the spinal cord and can cause compression and damage to the spinal cord.
Both extra-medullary and intra-medullary myelopathies can result in similar symptoms and can have similar consequences for a person’s health and daily life. However, the specific treatment and prognosis will depend on the underlying cause of the myelopathy. A healthcare professional should be consulted for the proper diagnosis and management of myelopathies.