Assessment of degenerative cervical myelopathy differs between specialists and may influence time to diagnosis and clinical outcomes.

ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION:Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy [DCM] often presents with non-specific symptoms and signs. It progresses insidiously and leads to permanent neurological dysfunction. Decompressive surgery can halt disease progression, however significant delays in diagnosis result in increased disability and limit recovery. The nature of early DCM symptoms is unknown, moreover it has been suggested incomplete examination contributes to missed diagnosis. This study examines how DCM is currently assessed, if assessment differs between stages of healthcare, and whether this influences patient management. STUDY DESIGN:Retrospective cohort study. METHODS:Cervical MRI scans (N = 1123) at a tertiary neurosciences center, over a single year, were screened for patients with DCM (N = 43). Signs, sympto

SUBMITTER: Hilton B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6296508 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature