How is Myelopathy Diagnosed?
DiagnosisMyelopathy symptoms may often be confused with symptoms of other neurological diseases, so your doctor will conduct various imaging and nerve tests to rule out other factors and confirm the diagnosis. In addition, your doctor may give you a diagnosis that also involves the underlying condition that’s resulting in myelopathy – such as cervical stenosis with myelopathy.
- Physical exam and medical history review. Because myelopathy symptoms are similar to symptoms of other disorders, your doctor needs to rule out other possible conditions first. Your doctor will start with a thorough physical exam and review your medical history, such as any history of injuries.
- Imaging tests like MRIs, CT scans or X-rays. Imaging tests are used to look at the spine and rule out other conditions. MRIs can help provide a detailed view of your spine and spinal canal and any spinal stenosis or disc degeneration.
- Nerve function tests help determine whether your nerves are functioning properly in terms of sensation and movement in your arms and legs. Electromyography (EMG), for example, can detect muscle responses and electrical activity from a nerve stimulating a muscle. The test involves inserting small needles called electrodes into the muscle to measure the electrical activity. Nerve conduction studies may also test nerve function. This can help to differentiate myelopathy from radiculopathy or neuropathy.
How is Myelopathy Treated?
TreatmentMyelopathy treatment ranges from surgical options to nonsurgical options, depending on the underlying cause of the disease and its severity. Typically, surgery addresses the root cause of myelopathy by decompressing your spine, but nonsurgical treatments can help alleviate pain and symptoms.
Our specialist teams at NewYork-Presbyterian can help develop a personalized treatment plan for you. With treatment, the goal is to slow down the progression of myelopathy and reduce your symptoms, so you can take part in your daily activities more easily.
Surgical options
There are a variety of surgical procedures that can treat myelopathy. Generally, spinal decompression surgery is the most common treatment for myelopathy, but there are different forms of it depending on the cause.
- Spinal decompression surgery
- Laminectomy
- Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
- Cervical disc arthroplasty (artificial disc)
- Spinal fusion
- Corpectomy
- Laminoplasty
- Osteophyte removal
Nonsurgical options
If your myelopathy is mild or your doctor wants to help relieve your symptoms, there are several nonsurgical treatment options available that can help improve the quality of your life. However, nonsurgical therapies don’t stop the compression of the spine or its progression, and surgery may be needed later on down the road. Nonsurgical options include:
- Physical therapy
- Exercise
- Bracing
- Medication like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Spinal injections for any associated pain
FAQs
This content has been reviewed by the following medical editors.
Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for myelopathy treatment
If you believe you may have signs of myelopathy, our team of specialists at NewYork-Presbyterian can guide you through a step-by-step process, from diagnosis to treatment, to help address the root causes of your condition. It’s important to seek treatment for myelopathy to prevent any further nerve damage and to help you return to your daily activities. Call us to make an appointment so we can connect you with the best care team for you.