Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment
Which symptom is most characteristic of cervical spondylotic myelopathy?
Severe headaches
Difficulty walking and neck pain
Radiating arm pain
Loss of vision
The correct answer is: Difficulty walking and neck pain
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is a condition caused by age-related changes in the cervical spine, leading to spinal cord compression and resulting neurological symptoms. The most characteristic symptoms include difficulty walking, often accompanied by weakness in the arms and legs, and neck pain due to the degenerative processes affecting the spine. Difficulty walking is particularly notable because it indicates how the myelopathy is affecting the spinal cord, which can lead to issues with coordination and balance as well. Neck pain is also a common symptom associated with the degenerative changes in the cervical vertebrae. While other symptoms listed, like severe headaches or radiating arm pain, can occur due to different neck issues or other conditions, they are not as closely linked to the specific pathology of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Loss of vision is not generally associated with this condition and could point toward unrelated issues. Therefore, the combination of difficulty walking and neck pain is the most directly aligned with the hallmark manifestations of cervical spondylotic myelopathy.