Myelopathy

[markt]

Ihave been told that I have a myelopathy in my spine.This  was derived by a neurological exam...My reflexes were positive for the myelopathy and my reflexes worsen upon tipping my head back.

I have gait difficulties, weakness in my hands and arms,very stiff legs, problems with stairs, numbness and tingling in my hands and feet, incontinence problems and more.

I was told that I need a fusion and possibly a decompression of my spine.I was wondering if you could tell me if this condition can progress with, or without surgery?

Is paralysis is a possibility with, or without surgery?

My toes and ball of my feet occasionally go numb and yesterday could not bend.

Thank you very much in advance for your opinion.

[sue]

I just finished a 2 day Neurological work up.  I have had Fibromyalgia for 9 years. My diagnosis was Chiari Malformation. I did not really like the Neurologistand don't think I would go back to him. I have been reading everything I can find on the subject. My question is, is there any other thing that can be done other than surgery, and how bad will things get if I choose not to have the surgery. It sounds too scary to me. I am 39 years old and don't want ot end up paralyzed.

[obaida hafez]

i ,m polyradiculo myelopathy patient,since9month,s
i,m 5years old,i,m taking phisical treatment,but
looking for specicial physical treatment,which may exceed ,s,srecovery,today my doctor descrip sabril 500 mg along with phisical treatment,
the progress of my case now slow
please let me know my actual status
thank,s

[obaida hafez]

i ,m polyradiculo myelopathy patient,since9month,s
i,m 5years old,i,m taking phisical treatment,but
looking for specicial physical treatment,which may exceed ,s,srecovery,today my doctor descrip sabril 500 mgalong with phisical treatment,
the progress of my case now slow
please let me know my actual status
thank,s

[H.P Singh]

I feel difficulty in walking,My arms and hands are too weak to do any type of work,I  can not sit even on my feet,I have severe pain in my head,neck and below neck and ears .on consulting  my doctor i come to know that i am suffering from the desease called  NON COMPRESSIVE MYELOPATHY .The Doctor says that the treatment of the above desease is only consuming steriods.I am looking for any other alternative for the steriods
Thanks

[H.P Singh]

i wanna know some alternative medicines except steriods ,which i have been consuming as a cure of my myelopathy
thanks

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

thanks for the comments.

CCF Neuro MD

[Margaret Roosa]

I've had a total of 5 spine surgeries -- 2 lumbar and 3 cervical spine -- that last C-spine surgery was for spinal cord compression at the C3/C4 levels.  Due to the pressure on my spinal cord, I was told that I could possibly become quadriplegic if the cord had been totally compressed.  I was also told, for example, if I sustained a blow to my neck, such as an auto accident, where most people might develop whiplash, it would mean quadriplegic and death for me.  There is a nerve that runs from the pulmonary system to that part of the spine and my breathing would have been cut off.  Thank goodness, I underwent the surgery and there are a lot of the residuals left -- for example, I have very little feeling in my hands.  I can only turn my neck a little both to the left and to the right.  And, yes, I do still have some pain.  The good news is that I'm still walking, talking, and breathing in and out.  Additionally, because of all the problems associated with my back, I'm a patient in a Pain Management Clinic.  

These are the things that are wrong with my back -- spondylolisthesis, degenerative joint/disk disease, spinal stenosis, etc.  None of it is very comfortable, but as I said, at least I'm walking and talking and breathing in and out.  

Margaret Roosa

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

thanks for the comment.

CCF Neuro MD

[Beth]

I would ask the neurologist to look for Arnold Chiari Malformation on your MRI films.  It is often over looked in diagnoses or not mentioned as some think it causes no problems.
You sound as if you have many symptoms.  To find out more you can visit the World Arnold Chiari Malformation Association site.
If you have not yet had an MRI of the brain and neck, I would recommend that you get one soon.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Mark:

It is difficult to tell you much because I haven't done the exam, nor seen any of the lab work and MRI films.  You seem to indicate that the trouble is due to vertebral compression or disc herniation?  Anyway, the usual last resort is surgery.  If you have done all the previous rehab and medical management, then this would be an option.  I would first get a second opinion from a neurosurgeon before preceding.  You want to know that this is your only option.  A great deal of the time, surgery helps but the degree of return to normal is individual and surgeon dependent.  It also depends on the rehab and how committed you are to work on rehab.

I hope that things can be managed medically.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD