Myelopathy Treatment Orange County & Irvine, CA

People often first notice the onset of myelopathy when they begin to have balance issues or trouble walking. This condition, which is a neurological deficit caused by a variety of different sources, is categorized by a loss of proper spinal cord function. This means that the center of a patient’s nervous system is inhibited from working properly, often due to a compression in the spinal column, such as disc herniations or bone spurs.

Generally speaking, there are three different causes of myelopathy:

  • Trauma, such as a spinal cord injury
  • Infection, causing inflammations like Myelitis
  • Degenerative, caused naturally through aging

Each form of myelopathy has its own subtle differences, but they all have in common the impediment of the normal functioning of the nerves in the spinal cord.

Symptoms of Myelopathy

The compression of the spinal cord caused by myelopathy can result in different forms of muscular weakness, depending on the area of the spine afflicted. Symptoms include:

  • Upper Motor Neuron Issues, like clumsiness, spasticity, or hyperreflexia
  • Lower Motor Neuron Issues, including weakness, muscl eatrophy, or fasciculations in the lower back muscles or elsewhere
  • Bodily Dysfunctions such as bowel or bladder trouble and sexual dysfunction.
  • Sensory Deficits in the extremities and the abdomen

 

Diagnosis is Critical

Many of the symptoms of myelopathy are similar to those of other diseases and conditions. Often those symptoms develop, making it that much more difficult to diagnose. Therefore, it is incredibly important to consult a physician as early as possible so that they can reach a diagnosis through medical examination.. And because the causes of the condition vary, methods of treatment can vary as well.

Treatment

Depending on the specific form and symptoms of your particular circumstances, the team at Gerald Alexander MD’s office can propose several different forms of treatment. Those forms range from physical therapy or medication for early forms of the condition to more invasive procedures such as surgery to relieve the pressure on nerves in the spinal cord. Regardless of the treatment, Doctor Alexander and his staff will prescribe the right treatment to help alleviate your symptoms and restore your normal life.

Myelopathy, if left untreated, can cause permanent damage and disability for those who suffer from it. Get treatment today and restore your normal, active lifestyle. For more information on how Dr. Gerald Alexander can help free you from myelopathy, contact our offices today or schedule an appointment online.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gerald Alexander and to find out the right treatment for Myelopathy, please call (714) 937-4859 or Request Appointment here.