Myelomalacia
Myelomalacia (pronounced: my-elo-ma-lay-shia) is a pathological term referring to the softening of the spinal cord. This condition is often associated with severe trauma, ischemia, or hemorrhage.
Etymology
The term "Myelomalacia" is derived from the Greek words "myelo" meaning marrow and "malakia" meaning softness.
Causes
Myelomalacia is usually caused by severe spinal cord injury. The injury may result from acute trauma or chronic, progressive degenerative changes that compromise the blood supply to the spinal cord. Other causes may include spinal cord tumors, spinal stenosis, and disc herniation.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Myelomalacia can vary depending on the severity and location of the spinal cord damage. Common symptoms include pain, weakness, numbness, and loss of motor function. In severe cases, it can lead to paralysis.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Myelomalacia is typically made through a combination of clinical examination and imaging studies such as MRI. The MRI can show the extent of spinal cord damage and help to rule out other potential causes of the symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment for Myelomalacia is primarily focused on managing symptoms and preventing further damage to the spinal cord. This may involve medication for pain management, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.
Prognosis
The prognosis for Myelomalacia depends on the severity of the spinal cord damage. In some cases, if the condition is caught early and treated aggressively, it is possible to slow or stop the progression of the disease.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Myelomalacia
- Wikipedia's article - Myelomalacia
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