Can spinal stenosis mimic MS?
Cervical stenosis with myelopathy can have symptoms similar to several other conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or vitamin B12 deficiency, among others. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis before starting treatment.
What does MS in the spine feel like?
Many with spinal cord problems and MS have numbness on one side of the body and weakness on the opposite side. They may lose standing balance or have a gait problem characterized by ataxia, such as the inability to walk a straight line. Paralysis and loss of sensation of part of the body are common.
What does myelopathy pain feel like?
Myelopathy symptoms may include: Neck, arm, leg or lower back pain. Tingling, numbness or weakness. Difficulty with fine motor skills, such as writing or buttoning a shirt.
Is neck pain a symptom of MS?
Neck and back pain: Some people with MS can experience neck and back pain. This may be due to immobility, or to the same type of wear and tear that many people without MS experience. This type of pain is often an aching, stiff sensation that can be moderately severe.
Can myelopathy symptoms come and go?
Symptoms tend to come and go. Treatments include keeping the neck moving, neck exercises and painkillers. In severe cases, the degeneration may cause irritation or pressure on the spinal nerve roots or spinal cord. This can cause arm or leg symptoms (detailed below).
What are the signs and symptoms of myelopathy?
Myelopathy symptoms may include: Neck, arm, leg or lower back pain. Tingling, numbness or weakness. Difficulty with fine motor skills, such as writing or buttoning a shirt. Increased reflexes in extremities or the development of abnormal reflexes. Difficulty walking.
What are the different types of spinal myelopathy?
Symptoms and Types 1 Cervical Myelopathy. Cervical myelopathy causes compression of the spinal cord in the cervical spine (neck). 2 Thoracic Myelopathy. Thoracic myelopathy causes the spinal cord in this area to be compressed from a bulging or herniated disc, bone spurs, or a trauma to the spine. 3 Lumbar Myelopathy. 4 Classification.
What kind of pain does cervical myelopathy cause?
As the condition worsens, a person may experience shooting pain starting in the neck and traveling down into the spine. Other symptoms of cervical myelopathy are: Cervical myelopathy is the most common type of myelopathy.
Who is the best person to diagnose myelopathy?
Any clinician who evaluates or treats spinal conditions, including simple low back or neck pain, should be aware of myelopathy. Myelopathy is often missed in the clinical setting, sometimes with devastating consequences. What is myelopathy? The term myelopathy literally means sick spinal cord.