Myelomalacia is a pathological term referring to the softening of the spinal cord. Hemorrhagic infarction (bleeding) from the spinal cord may occur as a sequela for acute injury, such as that caused by intervertebral disk extraction (forced or pressed out).
This disorder causes delicate paraplegia (impaired motor function in the lower extremity), total areflexia (below normal or absent reflexes) of the pelvic extremity and anus, loss of perception of pain in caudal (towards coccyx, or tail) to site of spinal injury, atrophy muscle (disposing of muscle tissue), depressed mental state, and intercostal breathing difficulties (muscles running between the ribs) and diaphragmatic paralysis. Gradual cranial migration of the neurological deficit (a problem associated with the nervous system), is known as ascending syndrome and is said to be characteristic of diffuse myelomalacia. Although clinical signs of myelomalacia are observed in the onset of (starting) paraplegia, they can sometimes become apparent only in the postoperative period, or even days after the onset of paraplegia. Death from myelomalacia may occur as a result of respiratory paralysis when the lesion rises (abnormally damaged tissue) reaches the motor nucleus of the phrenic nerve (the nerve between the C3-C5 region of the spine) in the area of ​​the cervix (neck).
Video Myelomalacia
Classification
Myelomalacia affects neurological function in the spinal cord. Once broken, branching damage directly affects the body's motor functions. Because the central nervous system is affected, this condition is classified under the field of neurological studies.
Spinal Nerve Injury
When mielomalasia occurs, damage to the spinal cord can range from minimal to extensive. The spinal cord and brain work together, making them a key component of the central nervous system. Damage to this system affects the specific functions of the body, especially those related to muscle function. The most commonly injured areas include cervical vertebrae (C1-C7), and lumbar spine (L1-L5).
Maps Myelomalacia
Symptoms
The onset of myelomalacia may be so subtle that it is ignored. Depending on the level of spinal cord injury, the symptoms may vary. In some cases, the symptoms may be the same as hypertension. Although each case is different, some cases report loss of motor function in the extremities, areflexia or sudden jerks of the limbs, loss of pain perception, or even paralysis; all of which are possible indicators of the damaged and softened spinal cord. In the most severe cases, paralysis of the respiratory system manifests in death.
Cause
The most common way the disorder occurs is from bleeding results (internal bleeding) or inadequate blood supply to the spinal cord, making it weak and prone to damage.
Because myelomalacia involves a damaged spinal cord, this can happen to every individual. Those most at risk were geriatric populations because of weaker bone density. Once a spinal injury occurs, one of two things can happen. First, bleeding in the spinal cord can cause compression, which further damages the spinal cord. Another consequence of myelomalacia is improper blood circulation to the damaged area, resulting in further damage to the spinal cord.
Sports Athlete
Due to extensive physical contact and activity, many athletes become victims of myelomalacia. Any accidents or injuries accomplished during an athletic match up to the spinal cord can cause myelomalacia. An awkward landing account on the ground or intensive hit has been proven by a spinal cord injury.
Geriatric
With the growth of the elderly human population, there has been an increase in myelomalacia. As the human body begins to deteriorate with age, and since the human population lives many years longer, there has been growth in myelomalacia cases. When the bones in the body begin to weaken in a process known as osteopenia, the body is more susceptible to damage. A simple decline can damage the spinal cord and myelomalacia is imminent.
Diagnosing
There are two tests that can give a definitive diagnosis of mielomalasia; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or myelography. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to visualize the internal structure of the body used in diagnosing myelomalacia. Certain MRI findings can detect where bone and matter density has been lost in people with spinal cord injury. Diffused diffusivity in T2-weighted imaging of the spinal cord may be an indication of the onset or development of myelomalacia.
Treatment
There is no known treatment to reverse nerve damage due to myelomalacia. In some cases, surgery may slow or stop further damage. When motor function degenerates, spasticity and muscle atrophy may occur. Steroids may be prescribed to reduce swelling of the spinal cord, pain, and spasticity.
Research is underway to consider the potential of stem cells for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. However, no stem cell therapy is approved for myelomalacia.
See also
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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