Myelopathy
Encyclopedia
Myelopathy refers to pathology of the spinal cord
. When due to trauma
, it is known as spinal cord injury
. When inflammatory, it is known as myelitis
. Disease that is vascular in nature is known as vascular myelopathy
.
Spinal cord
The spinal cord is a long, thin, tubular bundle of nervous tissue and support cells that extends from the brain . The brain and spinal cord together make up the central nervous system...
. When due to trauma
Physical trauma
Trauma refers to "a body wound or shock produced by sudden physical injury, as from violence or accident." It can also be described as "a physical wound or injury, such as a fracture or blow." Major trauma can result in secondary complications such as circulatory shock, respiratory failure and death...
, it is known as spinal cord injury
Spinal cord injury
A spinal cord injury refers to any injury to the spinal cord that is caused by trauma instead of disease. Depending on where the spinal cord and nerve roots are damaged, the symptoms can vary widely, from pain to paralysis to incontinence...
. When inflammatory, it is known as myelitis
Myelitis
Myelitis is a disease involving inflammation of the spinal cord, which disrupts central nervous system functions linking the brain and limbs. The name is derived from Greek referring to the "spinal cord", and the suffix -itis, which denotes inflammation....
. Disease that is vascular in nature is known as vascular myelopathy
Vascular myelopathy
Vascular myelopathy refers to an abnormality of the spinal cord in regards to its blood supply. The blood supply is complicated and supplied by two major vessel groups: the posterior spinal arteries and the anterior spinal arteries—of which the Artery of Adamkiewicz is the largest...
.