Myelopathy
Myelopathy refers to dysfunction of the spinal cord, often from compression, inflammation, injury, or other disease.
When to get help quickly: Myelopathy can need urgent review if symptoms are worsening, walking is becoming difficult, or bladder, bowel, or major limb function is changing.
Common symptoms
Symptoms may include weakness, clumsiness, numbness, balance problems, walking difficulty, hand coordination trouble, and sometimes bladder or bowel changes.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps show whether the spinal cord is compressed, inflamed, injured, or scarred, and whether urgent treatment may prevent permanent damage.
What radiology does
MRI is especially important because it shows the spinal cord, surrounding discs, narrowing, and any internal cord signal change.
What usually happens next
Management depends on the cause and urgency and may include surgery, medicines, rehabilitation, or other specialist treatment.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.