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What Is Severe Narrowing of the Cervical Spinal Canal? What Is Myelomalacia?
Severe narrowing of the cervical spinal canal refers to a severe form of cervical spinal stenosis in medical terms. Cervical spinal stenosis means narrowing of the spinal canal, and this condition can cause various symptoms by putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. Severe narrowing refers to situations in which the spinal cord is significantly compressed and, as a result, the nerve tissue is seriously affected.
Myelomalacia refers to damage to the spinal cord. It indicates the presence of a structural change in the spinal cord tissue. This condition can occur as a result of prolonged compression of the spinal cord due to spinal stenosis, as well as in cases of acute trauma.
Symptoms of myelomalacia include:
Weakness in the arms and legs: Muscle weakness due to nerve damage.
Decreased or increased reflexes: Changes in tendon reflexes.
Balance problems: Loss of coordination and difficulty maintaining balance.
Numbness and tingling: Loss of sensation, numbness, and tingling in the hands, arms, feet, or legs.
Coordination difficulties: Difficulty controlling the hands and feet.
Impairment of bladder or bowel control.
Myelomalacia can cause irreversible damage due to these changes in the spinal cord tissue. Treating this condition is generally difficult, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and stopping progression. In the presence of myelomalacia, surgical treatment should be prioritized and early intervention is essential.
In addition to surgical intervention (decompressive surgery), physiotherapy and rehabilitation may also be required among the treatment options. Treatment approaches are individualized based on the patient’s overall health status, the severity of symptoms, and other factors. Early diagnosis and treatment can help minimize the effects of myelomalacia. Therefore, it is important for individuals with symptoms to consult a healthcare professional.