Myelomalacia

MRI image shows spinal bleeding (myelomalacia).

Myelomalacia is a pathological term referring to the softening of the spinal cord.^[1] Hemorrhagic infarction (bleeding) of the spinal cord can occur as a sequela to acute injury, such as that caused by intervertebral disc extrusion (being forced or pressed out).^[2]

The disorder causes flaccid paraplegia (impairment of motor function in lower extremities), total areflexia (below normal or absence of reflexes) of the pelvic limbs and anus, loss of deep pain perception caudal (toward the coccyx, or tail) to the site of spinal cord injury, muscular atrophy (wasting away of muscle tissue), depressed mental state, and respiratory difficulty due to intercostal (muscles that run between the ribs) and diaphragmatic paralysis.^[3] Gradual cranial migration of the neurological deficits (problems relating to the nervous system), is known as ascending syndrome and is said to be a typical feature of diffuse myelomalacia. Although clinical signs of myelomalacia are observed within the onset (start) of paraplegia, sometimes they may become evident only in the post-operative period, or even days after the onset of paraplegia. Death from myelomalacia may occur as a result of respiratory paralysis when the ascending lesion (abnormal damaged tissue) reaches the motor nuclei of the phrenic nerves (nerves between the C3-C5 region of the spine) in the cervical (neck) region.^[4]

Classification

Myelomalacia affects the neurological functions in the spinal cord. Once breached, the ramification of the damage directly affects the motor functions of the body. Because the central nervous system is affected, the condition is classified under the neurological field of study.

The spine shown here with spinal cord.

Spinal Cord Injury

When myelomalacia occurs, the damage done to the spinal cord may range from minimal to extensive. The spinal cord and the brain work together, making them the key components of the central nervous system.^[5] Damage to this system affects specific functions of the body, primarily relating to the function of muscles. The areas most commonly injured include the cervical vertebrae (C1-C7), and the lumbar spine (L1-L5).^[6]

Symptoms

The onset of myelomalacia may be so subtle that it is overlooked. Depending on the extent of the spinal cord injury, the symptoms may vary.^[7] In some cases, the symptom may be as common as hypertension. Though every case is different, several cases reported loss of motor functions in the extremities, areflexia or sudden jerks of the limbs, loss of pain perception, or even paralysis; all of which are possible indicators of a damaged and softened spinal cord.^[7] In the most severe cases, paralysis of the respiratory system manifests in death.

Cause

The most common way the disorder occurs is from a result of hemorrhaging (bleeding within) or inadequate blood supply to the spinal cord, making it weak and susceptible to damage.

Because myelomalacia involves a damaged spinal cord, it may occur in any individual. Those most at risk are the geriatric population due to weaker bone density. Once the spinal injury has occurred, one of two things may happen. Firstly, hemorrhaging within the spinal cord may cause compression, which damages the spinal cord even further. Another consequence of myelomalacia is improper circulation of blood to the area damaged, resulting in further damage to the spinal cord.

Spinal injuries leading to myelomalacia occur in the world of athletic sports.

Sport Athletes

Due to extensive physical contact and activity, many athletes become victim to myelomalacia.^[1] Any accidents or injuries attained during athletic competition to the spinal cord may result in myelomalacia. Accounts of awkward landing on the ground or being hit intensively have attested to spinal cord injury.

Geriatric

With the growth in the elderly population of humans, there has been a rise to myelomalacia. Because the human body begins to deteriorate with age, and because human population is living many years longer, there has been a growth in cases of myelomalacia. As the bones in the body begin to weaken in a process known as osteopenia, the body is more vulnerable to damage. A simple fall may damage the spinal cord and myelomalacia may soon ensue.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shown here.

Diagnosing

There are two tests that can provide a definite diagnosis of myelomalacia; 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 the diagnosing of myelomalacia.^[8] Certain MRI findings can detect where bone density and matter has been lost in people with spinal cord injuries. Diffuse hyperintensity appreciated on T2-weighted imaging of the spinal cord can be an indication of the onset or progression 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. As motor function degenerates, muscle spasticity and 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 treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. There are, however, no approved stem cell therapies for myelomalacia.^[9]

See also

References