Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: What the Neurologist Should Know
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Updated: Oct 13, 2026

Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Chronic Spinal Cord Compression
Published on: May 7, 2019
Celmir de Oliveira Vilaça1, Marco Orsini2, Marco A Araujo Leite3
1National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Rio de Janeiro; Division of Neurology, Graduate program in Neurology/Neuroscience, USS, Vassouras, RJ.
Abstract:
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is a well-known cause of disability among older people. A significant amount of these patients is asymptomatic. Once the symptoms start, the worsening may follow a progressive manner. We should suspect of spondylotic myelopathy in any individual over 55 years presenting progressive changes in gait or losing fine motor control of the upper limbs. Despite its frequent prevalence, this condition is still neglected and many times confused with other supratentorial lesions regarding diagnostic. Here we address some of most important aspects of this disease, calling attention to pathophysiology, the natural history, presentation, differential diagnosis, clinical assessment, and treatment.
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