Myelomalacia is often called an ascending syndrome since it can reach other upper-body regions. Clinical observations have revealed that myelomalacia ultimately reaches the brain, creating additional neurological deficits.ĭeath occurs when the damage reaches the phrenic nerves and the motor nuclei, which are located in the area between the third and fifth cervical vertebrae. Unfortunately, from its onset, the condition progresses a predictable course: after flaccid paraplegia occurs, the patient develops areflexia (suboptimal reflexes), followed by the loss of deep pain perception in the coccyx area.Īs the condition progresses, muscular atrophy would ensue, followed closely by intercostal and/or diaphragmatic paralysis. The substance would ‘illuminate’ the affected area for the physician, thus increasing the diagnostic precision.
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Myelography involves injecting a radiocontrast substance such as iodine, barium, carbon dioxide or water and conducting a series of X-Rays. There are two means of diagnosing myelomalacia: magnetic resonance imagining (MRI), where the specialist assesses the extent of the damage caused by the disease through measuring bone matter density.Īnother way of diagnosing myelomalacia is by performing a myelogram. In some cases patients come in with hypertension, but later discovered they have myelomalacia. SymptomsĪlthough symptoms may vary, doctors have noted that many people diagnosed with the condition had flaccid paraplegia (total or partial loss of motor functions in the lower part of the body).įurthermore, myelomalacia has no tell-tale signs. Understood as a softening or, more precisely, a weakening of spinal cord segments, myelomalacia is a degenerative neurological condition.
From a statistical standpoint, myelomalacia is more common in L1-L5 (first to fifth lumbarvertebrae) and C1-C5 (first to fifth cervical vertebrae) injuries. However, in rare instances, myelomalacia can occur in the absence of mechanical shock to the spinal cord.ĭepending on the location and severity, spinal injuries can severely affect the spinal cord’s functionality, ultimately inviting myelomalacia. This is why doctors insist on athletes wearing protective gear during matches. Most clinicians agree that repeated blows to the spinal column could trigger bleeding. The first line of defense against myelomalacia is prevention. The disease may not be curable, but proper pain management can make a difference. However, since myelomalacia is typically diagnosed long after the onset of nerve damage, post-op tests suggest that other signs of the conditions can be easily overlooked.īefore exploring the treatment options, here’s some more information on what is myelomalacia.Įarly diagnoses is very important for effective treatment.
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Although research into the causes of myelomalacia is still developing, sports-related injuries and old-age as factors are generally seen as the major causes. Myelomalacia is a neurological condition referring to the softening of the spinal cord as a result of hemorrhagic infarction (the bleeding of the spinal cord). Also read: Promising New Treatments for Myelomalacia and Spinal Cord Injury