Evidence-based commentary on the diagnosis, management, and further research of degenerative cervical spinal cord compression in the absence of clinical symptoms of myelopathy

• DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1341371
• Publication Date: 2024-05-10T04:43:02Z
• Authors: Tomas Horak; Magda Horakova; Milos Kerkovsky; Marek Dostal; Petr Hlustik; Jan Valosek; Alena Svatkova; Petr Bednarik; Eva Vlckova; Josef Bednarik
• Keywords: Spinal cord compression; Cervical spondylosis; Spinal canal stenosis; Spinal Cord Diseases

Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) represents the final consequence of a series degenerative changes in spine, resulting spinal canal stenosis and mechanical stress on cord. This process leads to subsequent pathophysiological processes cord tissues. The primary mechanism injury is compression cord, detectable by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), serving as hallmark for diagnosing DCM. However, relative resilience clinical-radiological discordance, i.e., some individuals may exhibit MRI findings DCC without clinical signs symptoms myelopathy. myelopathy, potentially precursor development DCM, remains somewhat controversial topic. In this review article, we elaborate provide commentary terminology, epidemiology, natural course, diagnosis, predictive value, risks, practical management condition—all which are subjects ongoing debate.