Screening for Cervical Myelopathy | Modern Manual Therapy Blog - Manual Therapy, Videos, Neurodynamics, Podcasts, Research Reviews

Screening for Cervical Myelopathy



Nxt Gen PT Evidence: Medical screening is one of the most important aspects of clinical care. We must determine who is appropriate for our interventions and who would benefit from a referral.

One condition that we need to screen for is cervical myelopathy. Individuals with cervical myelopathy typically present with a cluster of upper motor neuron signs such as:

  • Unsteady gait 
  • Reflexes > 2+ 
  • Hoffmann’s Sign: Tap the nail of the 3rd or 4th digit with the thumb and index finger relaxed but not touching. A + test is involuntary flexing of the thumb and index finger. 
  • Babinski Sign: a blunt instrument is rubbed along the lateral aspect of the heel to the toes. A + test is dorsiflexion of the big toe and fanning of the other toes. 
  • wasting of the hands, loss of dexterity, nonspecific weakness
If a patient presents with signs and symptoms of cervical myelopathy, it is important to refer to a physician for further assessment. MRI, CT scan or myelography is necessary for confirmation.

Brought to you by Nxt Gen PT Institute of PT

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