Myelopathy

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Myelopathy is a condition where there is compression of the spinal cord. Interruption of communication to and from the brain to the limbs and internal organs can occur. Myelopathy may develop slowly over time or acutely from an injury such as a fracture of the spine or a disc herniation. When it develops slowly over time, a person may not become symptomatic until much later in life when the presentation could be difficulty walking or stroke-like symptoms. Infiltration of the bone by cancer can also lead to compression of the spinal cord. Dysfunction of the bowel and/or bladder may also occur along with imbalance. This condition may also result in weakness in one's limbs with difficulty carrying out day-to-day activities.