Myelomalacia: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Myelomalacia | |||
| image = [[File:SPINAL_CORD_BLEED.GIF|alt=Spinal cord bleed]] | |||
| caption = MRI showing spinal cord bleed | |||
| field = [[Neurology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Muscle weakness]], [[paralysis]], [[loss of sensation]] | |||
| complications = [[Respiratory failure]], [[quadriplegia]] | |||
| onset = Variable, often after spinal cord injury | |||
| duration = Progressive | |||
| causes = [[Spinal cord injury]], [[ischemia]], [[hemorrhage]] | |||
| risks = Severe spinal trauma, [[vertebral fracture]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]], [[CT scan]], [[neurological examination]] | |||
| differential = [[Multiple sclerosis]], [[transverse myelitis]], [[spinal cord tumor]] | |||
| treatment = Supportive care, [[surgery]], [[physical therapy]] | |||
| prognosis = Poor, often leads to severe disability | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Spinewithcord.jpg|Myelomalacia|thumb]] | |||
[[File:Rugby tackle cropped.jpg|Myelomalacia|thumb|left]] | |||
[[File:GE Signa MRI opening.JPG|Myelomalacia|thumb|left]] | |||
'''Myelomalacia''' is a pathological term referring to the softening of the spinal cord. This condition is often caused by severe trauma or chronic degenerative changes, leading to a loss of motor function and sensation below the level of the lesion. | '''Myelomalacia''' is a pathological term referring to the softening of the spinal cord. This condition is often caused by severe trauma or chronic degenerative changes, leading to a loss of motor function and sensation below the level of the lesion. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
The primary cause of myelomalacia is spinal cord injury. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, including [[trauma]], [[infection]], [[ischemia]], or [[degenerative diseases]]. Other potential causes include [[hemorrhage]] within the spinal cord, [[infarction]], or [[neoplasia]]. | The primary cause of myelomalacia is spinal cord injury. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, including [[trauma]], [[infection]], [[ischemia]], or [[degenerative diseases]]. Other potential causes include [[hemorrhage]] within the spinal cord, [[infarction]], or [[neoplasia]]. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The symptoms of myelomalacia can vary depending on the location and extent of the spinal cord damage. Common symptoms include: | The symptoms of myelomalacia can vary depending on the location and extent of the spinal cord damage. Common symptoms include: | ||
* [[Weakness]] or [[paralysis]] below the level of the lesion | * [[Weakness]] or [[paralysis]] below the level of the lesion | ||
* Loss of sensation below the level of the lesion | * Loss of sensation below the level of the lesion | ||
| Line 12: | Line 30: | ||
* [[Pain]] or discomfort | * [[Pain]] or discomfort | ||
* [[Muscle atrophy]] | * [[Muscle atrophy]] | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of myelomalacia typically involves a combination of clinical examination and imaging studies. [[Magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI) is the most commonly used imaging modality for diagnosing myelomalacia. | Diagnosis of myelomalacia typically involves a combination of clinical examination and imaging studies. [[Magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI) is the most commonly used imaging modality for diagnosing myelomalacia. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment for myelomalacia is primarily supportive and aims to manage symptoms and prevent further damage to the spinal cord. This may involve [[physical therapy]], [[pain management]], and in some cases, [[surgery]]. | Treatment for myelomalacia is primarily supportive and aims to manage symptoms and prevent further damage to the spinal cord. This may involve [[physical therapy]], [[pain management]], and in some cases, [[surgery]]. | ||
== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
The prognosis for myelomalacia depends on the severity and location of the spinal cord damage. In some cases, individuals may regain some function with therapy and treatment. However, in severe cases, the damage may be permanent. | The prognosis for myelomalacia depends on the severity and location of the spinal cord damage. In some cases, individuals may regain some function with therapy and treatment. However, in severe cases, the damage may be permanent. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Spinal cord injury]] | * [[Spinal cord injury]] | ||
* [[Neurology]] | * [[Neurology]] | ||
* [[Neurosurgery]] | * [[Neurosurgery]] | ||
[[Category:Neurological disorders]] | [[Category:Neurological disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Spinal cord disorders]] | [[Category:Spinal cord disorders]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 04:42, 13 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Myelomalacia | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Muscle weakness, paralysis, loss of sensation |
| Complications | Respiratory failure, quadriplegia |
| Onset | Variable, often after spinal cord injury |
| Duration | Progressive |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Spinal cord injury, ischemia, hemorrhage |
| Risks | Severe spinal trauma, vertebral fracture |
| Diagnosis | MRI, CT scan, neurological examination |
| Differential diagnosis | Multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis, spinal cord tumor |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Supportive care, surgery, physical therapy |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Poor, often leads to severe disability |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Myelomalacia is a pathological term referring to the softening of the spinal cord. This condition is often caused by severe trauma or chronic degenerative changes, leading to a loss of motor function and sensation below the level of the lesion.
Causes[edit]
The primary cause of myelomalacia is spinal cord injury. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, including trauma, infection, ischemia, or degenerative diseases. Other potential causes include hemorrhage within the spinal cord, infarction, or neoplasia.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of myelomalacia can vary depending on the location and extent of the spinal cord damage. Common symptoms include:
- Weakness or paralysis below the level of the lesion
- Loss of sensation below the level of the lesion
- Difficulty with bladder and bowel control
- Pain or discomfort
- Muscle atrophy
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of myelomalacia typically involves a combination of clinical examination and imaging studies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most commonly used imaging modality for diagnosing myelomalacia.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for myelomalacia is primarily supportive and aims to manage symptoms and prevent further damage to the spinal cord. This may involve physical therapy, pain management, and in some cases, surgery.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for myelomalacia depends on the severity and location of the spinal cord damage. In some cases, individuals may regain some function with therapy and treatment. However, in severe cases, the damage may be permanent.
